Start Over

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

START OVER!

Author Unknown - from Email Ministry

Being Strong and of Good Courage in Marriage

1 Chronicles 22:13


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

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

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

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

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

Joshua 1:6


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 13:4-8:

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

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

By: Deborah Ross

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

www.HealingABrokenMarriage.com

OBTAINING THE VICTORY

QUICK BIBLE STUDY NOTES ON OBTAINING THE VICTORY...

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

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

Question: But, how do we keep His commandments?

Answer: By obeying the Holy Spirit!

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

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

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

A) Have His Commandments in your heart

B) Keep His Commandments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Commit yourself to be VICTORIOUS

*Commit to SEEKING GOD & His Will

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

*Commit to FORGIVE

____________________________

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

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Hebrews 11:6

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

THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR MARRIAGE VICTORY:

a) God wants you and your family WHOLE!

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

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

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

________________________________

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

Honorarium Negotiable.

FOR MORE ABOUT DEBORAH CLICK HERE

http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

WALK IN YOUR DESTINY!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keeping the Faith

"OBEDIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE...

THAT DOESN'T GROW WEARY"

Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Do you want to know God intimately and walk with him like Enoch? Would you like to have the faith of Abraham? How about the zeal of Paul? What about the radiant beauty of Esther or the bravery and leadership qualities of Deborah? Do you want to be humble like Mary?

Though these hero's of the faith were not perfect, they all sought to please God by persevering through difficult times. In our Bible, not only do we read about the triumphant victories of great men and women of God, but we also get to peer into their weaknesses and downfalls, as well. It is through their life's example that each succeeding generation will have the opportunity to become more and more valiant as children of the King. It is from the journey's of others that we should learn what 'to do' and 'what not to do', as we press on, aiming to please God in all of our ways.

Today, I'd like to show you an example of how important it is to persevere, even when our trial may be many years in the makes. I want to encourage you to not grow weary in well doing. Don't give up, because your miracle could be just around the corner!

Let's look at the life of Moses for a moment. Moses is known for his faithful determination in leading the children of Israel out of bondage from Egypt, believing God for a peaceful land, a place flowing with milk and honey. For forty years, Moses led this massive crowd of whiny, unbelieving, self-centered relatives through the dessert.

God wanted the Israelites to shed their sinful ways. He wanted them to purge their souls from all thought of Egyptian influence 'before' they entered into their promised land called Canaan. For this reason, He allowed them to suffer many trials throughout their wilderness journey. This wilderness experience was a time for God to reveal His provision and faithfulness as the Israelites were forced to lean solely upon Him for their daily survival.

Even though God was always faithful to provide, their immaturity and lack of patience kept them longing to return to their past (settling for a false comfort) instead of looking toward the future (the coming day of complete deliverance and life abundantly in the land of Canaan).

In Exodus 17:1-7, we see where the Israelites camped in Rephidim, but there was no water for them to drink. And so, as expected, they whined and complained to Moses saying, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us?"

Desperate for wisdom of how to handle this mass of disgruntled followers, Moses prays to God asking for help in dealing with these unruly people - his people / even his relatives. God answers Moses by telling him to 'hit' a specific rock in front of all of the elders of the community while proclaiming God's promise; prophesying water to spring forth from the rock. (This water will quench the thirst of the people while revealing God's love and power as Moses stands - in faith - proclaiming God's promise... in front of the congregation.) Moses does as the Lord commands and everyone praises God for His faithfulness! Moses was obedient!

Then, in Numbers 20:8-12, once again the Israelites were perishing for water. When Moses seeks God for wisdom over what to do, this time his instructions are to 'speak' to the rock in front of the crowd while proclaiming God's promise to bring forth water. Unfortunately, in his frustration (perhaps 'weariness' in well doing) Moses 'hits' the rock, instead. (This seems reasonable since that is what God had him do the last time. Right?)

As he is hitting the rock, Moses calls the Israelites 'a bunch of rebels', and appears to be fed-up with their constant lack of faith in God. Amazingly, God does allow water to flow forth from the rock, quenching the thirst of the Israelites; but, He also rebuked Moses for his disobedience. The Lord tells Moses that he will never get to enter into Canaan, because of his "lack of obedience".

Can you believe that after all of those years, Moses doesn't get to enjoy the fruit of his labor, all because he got a bad attitude right before his breakthrough?

In Deuteronomy 32:48-52, God allows Moses to 'see' Canaan, but he does not allow him to enter in because of his disobedience; disobedience right at the end of his wilderness trial! Moses died... although his eyes were not dim and his strength was still great (Deut. 34:1-7). Even though he lived to be 120, Moses might have lived many more triumphant years in Canaan, had he not missed his chance by not following God's instruction - perhaps one last time before the breakthrough.

Although Moses is in heaven today, I think he would have loved to have led the march on into Canaan, shouting the victory that he had worked so hard to obtain. Instead, his protegee, Joshua, held the privilege of leading Israel into the promised land.

Our lesson today is one of 'staying faithful until the end'. Yes, your breakthrough could very well result from your next act of obedience to God's command. Perhaps your relatives are a 'bunch of rebels', like those of Moses. Maybe some of them act like the devil, himself. Or, perhaps your finances are out of whack, you've lost your job, your body is sick, your children are disobedient, your life is unfulfilled, or your mind is oppressed. Whatever your situation, God is still on the throne! His promises are true!

As you cry out to Him for help, He will give you specific instructions on how to obtain your victory... but you must do things HIS WAY... at each crossroads of decision. You must be obedient to His command - the voice of the Holy Spirit. Remember, every act of obedience gets you one step closer to YOUR breakthrough!

Dear brothers and sisters, don't grow weary in well doing. Don't become frustrated and fed-up during your trial (a time in the wilderness where God waits for someone - you or those close to you - to shed sinful ways, to be purged from habits of the past that bring bondage). For it is the trial of our faith that brings praise and honor and glory unto our Lord, Jesus Christ. Don't let your trial wear you down. Your breakthrough is very near!

1 Peter 1:7 "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"

Be Blessed!

In Christ,

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women