Attitude of Gratitude

Have you "shown" your gratitude lately?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Going into the prisons

*Teaching marriage classes and conferences

*Ministering freedom to those who are addicted to alcohol, drugs or other substance

*Helping individuals break free from a generational curse

*Supporting orphans in India and Pakistan

*Producing and airing radio and television teachings (we DO NOT get paid to do radio & TV - it actually cost us money to spread the gospel this way)

*Developing, publishing and distributing materials that disciple the body of Christ
...

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

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

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

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

GIVE NOW

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

2 Corinthians 9:6

"But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

God's rewards are great for those who connect their giving to their worship!  

Don't miss your blessing!

GIVE NOW

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

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.

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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

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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

What is a Generational Curse?

- personal teaching notes of Deborah Ross -

WHAT IS A GENERATIONAL CURSE?

Perpetual sin (iniquity)... or, the results of perpetual sin that is passed from one generation to another. 

The effects caused by a generational curse doesn't necessarily mean that someone is not born-again.  A Christian can be a victim of Satan's evil devices, perhaps, because they have not yet learned how to walk in love, they are harboring unforgiveness or they need to repent of certain sinful "gates" that have allowed the enemy to occupy their soul.  In essence, they haven't learned how to appropriate the blood of Jesus for overcoming the presence, power and penalty of generational sin(s).

The generational curse can bring with it bondage, paralyzation, fear, torment, brokenness, sickness, isolation, inferiority and dysfunction (to name a few). 

Christians are given the power and authority to break free from the effects of all curses - once and for all! 

Jesus paid the price for us to be FREE INDEED! 

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:"

Revelation 12:11

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

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

Ezekiel 18:14-20

Ezekiel 18:30-32

Keys to Overcoming: RECOGNIZE / REPENT / RENOUNCE / REPLACE


Have you ever felt CURSED?  Bad Luck?  Nothing goes right?
If only I had this or that...
parents divorced...
feel tension between my parents & I...
feel different...
always broke, busted and disgusted...
born into an addictive or abusive family...
married an abuser or what seems to be a loser...
divorced...
my children are in rebellion...
how did I end up here?...

jail or prison...

why do I keep choosing sin?


Maybe you ARE experiencing a Generational Curse...
Or, Perhaps You Have Strong Holds of the Mind that need to be Torn Down


Exodus 20:5-6 – "... for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."

Where do Generational Curses come from?

This is not an exhaustive list...

1)  Words spoken over you -

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

2)  Ungodly traditions that are in your family heritage -

Colossians 2:8  - "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

Mark 7:13 - "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."

3)  Spiritual DNA passed down your blood line – iniquity & SIN, doubt & unbelief, worship of false gods, idol worship, weakness toward an addictive behavior, depression, spirit of fear, tendency toward sexual perversions, false religions, occult practices, witchcraft, voodoo, rebellion, anger, vulgar & abusive language, dishonesty, believing Satan's lies, laziness, pride, ignorance, anger, laziness, negativity, etc. (see scripture below)  

4)  Physical DNA passed down your blood line – cancer, diabetes, any health issue that your ancestors have had, alcoholism, drug addictions, pornography addictions, gambling addictions, adultery, rape, incest, abusive behavior, mental illness, offenses that you or your family were victims of, poverty, divorce, unhappy marriages, wishing death on others or on yourself, violent acts, murder, etc. (see scripture below)

5)  Cults / False Gods

2 Chronicles 33:1-6  -
"Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD...  And he caused his children to pass through the fire (generational curse) in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."

6)  Choosing a lifestyle of SIN...

All Iniquity, including - extortion, cursing, murder, lying, greed, lust, adultery, gambling, drinking & drugs, rage, hatred, bitterness, manipulation, pornography, rape, incest, worldly living, rebellion, false gods, idol worship, occult practices, witchcraft, etc. - These all can start a curse.  Maybe you started it, or maybe your parents or grandparents started it...  Break this pattern NOW through salvation and then by applying the power of the blood of Jesus to your life!

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Let's look at Strong Holds -

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

What is a Strong Hold? 

Wrong Thoughts
Wrong Attitudes
Wrong Perceptions
... that justify SIN or some GENERATIONAL CURSE in your family tree.

Strong Holds can develop from EXPERIENCES that have...
*offended you
*hurt you
*magnified you
*failed you
.......Then, we create walls (Strong Holds) in our minds.

We esteem these Strong Holds as truth in our minds, although they are not the truth when compared to God's Word.

Dictionary.com = 1) a well-fortified place; fortress. 2)a place that serves as the center of a group, as of militants or of persons holding a controversial viewpoint

Strong's Concordance:  fortress, hold, snare, strong hold, castle, net, strong place, hunted, fort, defense, fenced, stones, rock, cliff, security, fortified city  

Demonstrate FACT and TRUTH by holding up one hand to show the fact (listed below) and then by raising the other hand higher than the first hand to show how we should esteem the TRUTH above all of the FACTS...

*Fact:  I'm a Failure = Truth:  I can do all things through Christ!
*Fact:  My life is so messed up = Truth:  God's plans are to do me good and give me an expected end
*Fact:  I suffer depression = Truth:  God has not give me a spirit of fear, but of power & love and a SOUND MIND!
*Fact:  Can’t pay the bills = Truth:  He is Jehovah Jirah / my provider - He says I should be in health & prosper, even as my soul prospers 
*Fact:  Sickness and disease = Jehovah Rapha / my healer - all my diseases (Psalm 103:3)!
*Fact:  Trouble at work = Truth:  God will cause those that rise up against me in one direction to flee before me in 7 directions.
*Fact:  Husband / Wife left me = Truth:  God’s covenant of restoration – He will restore what the canker worm and locust have eaten.

Matthew 16:21-23 - Many Strongholds hide behind sympathy and fear.  (Also go back to verses 16-19)

The first Strong Hold that God must remove is PRIDE. 

Until someone is willing to admit that they need deliverance, they will never be free from their Strong Holds, Generational Curses, or Demonic Influence.

 

Keys to Being Free:

First, You must be BORN AGAIN, then...

RECOGNIZE / REPENT / RENOUNCE / REPLACE WITH GOD'S WORD 

Turn & Live!

- In Jesus Name!

- Do it NOW!

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See my next blog post for the continuation of this message entitled: 

Turning Generational Curses into Generational Blessings
Subtitle: 10 Steps to Breaking Generational Curses


ARTICLE ON BREAKING THE CURSE



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

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

Presumption Leads to Death

RIGHTEOUS OR RELIGIOUS...

Psalm 19:13 KJV

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

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

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

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

Take a look at Ezekiel 33:30-33...

Ezekiel 33:31 KJV

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

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

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

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

Now go back and read Ezekiel 33:11. 

Ezekiel 33:11 KJV

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

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

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

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

Ezekiel 33:13 KJV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I like to look at it like this:

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

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

So here we see that GRACE...

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Peter 1:16 KJV 

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

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries, Inc.

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

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