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

Finish the Race!

THANKFUL FOR HIS WORD...

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

Robert Frost

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Matthew 25:21

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 9:24 

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

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

Spiritual Warfare

Taking Back Territory!


Have you ever wondered how you ended up being in the middle of so much chaos, when you thought you were doing "exactly" what the Lord told you to do? Maybe you ministered to someone, only to have them turn and despise you. Perhaps you moved to a new city, but quickly found life to be in turmoil. Did you take a new job -thinking it was God's perfect plan - only to find yourself miserable? Some of you have raised children in godly homes, but are now faced with the nightmare of watching them choose sinful lifestyles. Still others of you married the man of your dreams, but soon discovered your prince was a toad!

Whatever your dilemma, the Lord is well aware of every struggle. In fact, it may surprise you to know that sometimes the Holy Spirit will lead us "into" enemy territory for the purpose of SPIRITUAL COMBAT!

Yes friend, God has appointed us to be "more than conquerors". Oftentimes, this means we are to go on the offensive and overthrow spiritual wickedness in high places. When we come out on the other side of our trials, the Lord has revealed yet another facet of His endless love, as He molds us and shapes us for His glory.

I know, as women we would much rather sashay along a "rose garden" Christian lifestyle without any of life's thorns and thistles. If you are anything like me, you would do anything to avoid problems, confrontation and hardship. Still, God has a plan for us as He leads us into enemy camp, knowing we are well equipped and able to come out VICTORIOUS!

Let's look at scripture to see what God's Word has to say about this...

Exodus 23:20-28... KJV

"Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him. But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I blot them out, you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they do, but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their pillars in pieces. You shall serve the LORD your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you. None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites from before you."

In this passage, God tells the Israelites that He has sent an angel (the Holy Spirit) to bring them to the place "He has prepared for them". Strangely, this land of promise is a place where the Israelites must face confrontation from enemies; even those who worshipped false gods. I bet the Israelites were a little confused over "why" God would lead them into hostile territory, calling it the "land He had prepared for them". I know for me, it sure doesn't sound like a place
I'd like for God to lead me. I'd rather be led into a land of peace and tranquility.

Just the same, the Lord goes on to tell the Israelites they must "overthrow" these enemies. He even tells them to tear down their images - to destroy their false gods. The Lord does comfort them by saying He will go before them. He says He will be an enemy to their enemies but their only stipulation is that they "obey" their angel (for us, the voice of the Holy Spirit). They are to pay careful attention to him. God says that they should not bow down to the gods of their enemies nor should they "do" as their enemies do. I think for us, the Lord is teaching us to not get caught in the trap of following the methods, mannerisms, and tactics of those who persecute us.

Has the Holy Spirit ever led you into a place that you felt was exactly where God wanted you, only to find out that hostility, conflict, and disappointment awaited your arrival? Yuk! Well, PRAISE THE LORD! It is here that God has promised you the victory over your situation. Your only responsibility is to "obey" the voice of the Holy Spirit and then TRUST THE LORD to take care of your adversaries... your problems, your heartaches, and your obstacles.

Are you in need of some basic necessities? Perhaps you are in a position of choosing between buying groceries or paying the mortgage. Do you have sickness and disease that are plaguing your body? Have you had a miscarriage - whether a literal miscarriage or perhaps aborted dreams and visions that have been lost in a sea of disappointment? In this passage of scripture, God says He will make sure you have food and water. He says He will take sickness away. He even declares that women who trust and obey Him will not miscarry their babies but will be fertile for child bearing. Wow! Do these promises speak to any of you? Be sure to notice the contingency... obey the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Precious friends, THE LORD WILL CAUSE YOUR ENEMIES TO TURN THEIR BACKS AND RUN FROM YOU! He will drive away life's ugly obstacles as you "obey" the voice of the Holy Spirit and then place your complete trust in His promises.

Wow!!! I hope this quick study will brighten your day as you face your giants! Remember, don't be discouraged if it takes a while for you to see your victory. Some things the Lord will do "little by little"(Exodus 23:30). Never-the-less, God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19 & 1 Samuel 15:29)!

You know, I used to ask God, "Lord, what do you mean by obey? Do you mean 'obey the ten commandments' or are you talking about 'obeying the greatest commandment'?" It frustrated me to think I might have missed God by not obeying (whether intentional or unknowingly) His commands, thus disqualifying me from His blessings. The devil always tries to clothe us with guilt so that we will be insecure about believing God's Word.

I was so relieved to find out that "obeying" is nothing more than fellowship with God; conversing with Him about each and every situation. Really, the Lord just wants us to trust him... step by step... in every situation.

Obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit requires us to commune with our heavenly father. It requires us to pray without ceasing. This is not a legalistic set of rules we must obey, but rather a deep yearning desire to do whatever pleases God... in every aspect of our lives.

Friend, God loves you and has good plans for you! Obey Him and walk in the fullness of His provision.

Yours In Christ,

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries

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

2 Chronicles 14, 15, 16

FINISHING THE RACE

Dear Beautiful Women of God:

2 Chronicles has been in my reading, as well as on my mind and heart, for over a month and I wanted to share some of my personal revelations with you - from a few chapters in God's Word.

Before you read this blog, it would be a good idea to read 2 Chronicles 14, 15, and 16. I will be sharing my study from the passages contained in these chapters.
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Let's begin in Chapter 14 where Asa becomes the King of Judah. Notice verse 2, which says, "Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God:". KJV

Because of God's favor upon Asa, his army of less than five-hundred thousand men defeated an Ethiopian army of over one million soldiers along with three thousand chariots. As Asa put all of his trust in the Lord, God was faithful to go before him, destroying all enemies who threatened Asa's kingdom.

The key to Asa's victory is found in verse 11 of Chapter 14. It is here we see where Asa "…cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God: for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against his multitude. O Lord, thou art our God: let not man prevail against thee." KJV

As Asa continues in his reign all through Chapter 15, he is diligent to seek after the Lord. The prophet Azariah tells him to always put God first and things will go well. The prophet goes on to warn Asa that should he forsake the Lord, God would forsake him (15:2).

Once again, in Chapter 16, Asa is confronted with a hostile enemy. It seems the King of Israel, named Baasha, was building a wall to keep the people of Judah from their own property. For some reason Asa decides to take matters into his own hands. Instead of seeking God for deliverance, he goes to the King of Syria, named Ben-hadad, for help. Even though Asa and the King of Syria were successful in getting this land back, God was not pleased with Asa, at all. The Lord then sends a prophet to tell Asa that the kingdom of Judah would have wars from now on, because of his hasty decision to fix his problems himself.

Well, Asa was furious with the man of God and threw him into jail. I think God would have been forgiving to Asa had he repented of his sin, but instead, Asa moves in the arm of the flesh and throws a tantrum. So, God allows a disease to come to Asa's feet. In verse 12, we see that Asa still did not seek the Lord. The scripture says, "… yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians." I found this VERY INTERESTING.

You know, Asa was a good king who sought after the Lord for over thirty-six years of his reign. Did Asa grow complacent with God? I noticed that in 15:19 the bible says he had no more wars in his reign as King until the thirty-fifth year. Perhaps Asa began to take God for granted. Whatever the reason, Asa did not finish his race well.

Ladies, I pray that you and I finish what God has started in our lives. I pray that we do not grow either complacent or weary in well -doing. May you be strengthened today as I have been in studying God's Word, knowing that He has empowered US with His precious Holy Spirit to FINISH THE RACE. No matter what challenges life may throw at us, we are well equipped and able to be more than a conqueror, because the Lord will fight for us… if we truly seek Him with all of our hearts.

I pray that our ears will be open to hear the Word of the Lord and to ACT upon His Word with FAITH and PERSEVERANCE.

What is your struggle today? Will you give it to the Lord and TRUST Him for the victory? He is able AND He is willing! Are you convinced of His love for you? He loves you and wants to show Himself strong on your behalf, so give it to Him. Don't take it back just because the enemy keeps pounding at your door. Trust God. In His time… you WILL SEE HIS DELIVERANCE!

Below is Chapter 16 from the Amplified Bible. Enjoy, and have a wonderful day!

In Christ,
Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org
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2 Chronicles 16

1"IN THE thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built (fortified) Ramah intending to intercept anyone going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah.
2Then Asa brought silver and gold out of the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the king's house and sent them to Ben-hadad king of Syria, who dwelt at Damascus, saying,
3Let there be a league between me and you, as was between my father and your father. Behold, I am sending you silver and gold; go, break your league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may withdraw from me.
4And Ben-hadad hearkened to King Asa and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.
5And when Baasha heard it, he stopped building Ramah and let his work cease.
6Then King Asa took all Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and its timber with which Baasha had been building, and with them he built Geba and Mizpah.
7At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, Because you relied on the king of Syria and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you.
8Were not the Ethiopians and Libyans a huge host with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied then on the Lord, He gave them into your hand.
9For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him. You have done foolishly in this; therefore, from now on you shall have wars.
10Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison [in the stocks], for he was enraged with him because of this. Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time.
11The acts of Asa, from first to last, are written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel.
12In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet--until his disease became very severe; yet in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but relied on the physicians.
13And Asa slept with his fathers, dying in the forty-first year of his reign.
14And they buried him in his own tomb which he had hewn out for himself in the City of David, and they laid him on a bier which was filled with sweet odors and various kinds [of spices] prepared by the perfumers' art; and they made a very great burning [of spices] in his honor."