For His Holy Name's Sake...not yours

(This study is based upon Ezekiel 36 and 37.)

Have you ever thought that you, your spouse, or your children had committed some sin(s) that would cause God to refrain from blessing your family? While it is true that the consequences of our lives most often reflect the sum total of the decisions we have made, this doesn't mean there is no hope for a fresh, new start, with Christ... no matter how broken the road of life may seem.
The Lord wants to restore the joy of our salvation!

The only requirements are...
That we repent from our wrong doings. (Repent means 'to change'.)
Then, we place all of our hope in the promises of God's Word.

Like Abraham, we are seen as righteous in the Lord's eyes WHEN WE BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO - not because we deserve it, but because He is faithful!

Like many of you, my life has had certain twists and turns resulting from poor choices made by either me or my spouse. Then again... some of my life's pitfalls were simply the result of pro-longed situations and circumstances that I had no control over. I too, was once in a place where doubt and unbelief threatened my heart with lies that better days would never come. As fear chanted, "Doom, gloom, and despair", it would have been easy to rationalize God disqualifying me (or our family) from any sort of deliverance. The enemy of my soul would certainly want me to think we were unsuited for any sort of future blessings from God.

Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace! Praise God for second chances! Praise Him for His promises!

I'm thinking of an 'aha' moment with the Lord from Ezekiel 36:22. It is here that God's Word refreshed my soul - once wearied from what seemed to be a never ending fiery trial - giving me hope for a bright future:

"Therefore say unto the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went."

Hallelujah! God wants to sanctify us in the eyes of the world (the heathen) as we confess our wrong doing, repent, and then trust Him for divine protection from shame and defeat. His Word declares He will sprinkle 'clean water' upon us, making us clean from all of our filthiness (Ezekiel 36:25). He says He will do this for His name's sake and not because we deserve it. To me, that's refreshingly GOOD NEWS. That's news that I can completely put my hope and faith in.

Has someone wronged you in such a way that bitterness and oppression have 'dirtied' the very core of your soul? Maybe you or your spouse have made poor choices, resulting in consequences that have put you into a 'dirty' deep ditch; one so deep that it seams there is no way you'll ever be able to recover. Or, perhaps someone in your family (you, your spouse, or your child) just became born-again after a long history of sinful 'and dirty' behavior; now, you are having a hard time believing that God wants to restore the physical realm in addition to the spiritual realm.

Though you want to believe for God's best, the enemy of your soul threatens to lock you into the curse by saying...

"You've gone too far. God may allow you into heaven, but He'll never allow you to live in the blessings of this present life. You are dirty - forever marked with a curse."

The devil is a LIAR!

God says He'll not only give those who cry out to Him (those with sincere remorse over their sinful behavior) a new heart and new desires, but He will also restore their lives - not because they deserve it, but for His name's sake! God will take you from a life of desolation to a life that flourishes like the garden of Eden (Ezekiel 36:35)!

Be encouraged today knowing that God wants to take the dry bones of your life - the most hopeless and dead dream you may have - and breathe life back into it (Ezekiel 37:5). He wants to raise you up with life abundantly and joy unspeakable.

Like Ezekiel, 'I' prophesy to YOUR dry bones...

"God will put His spirit in you and you shall live! You will have peace in your own land and you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of despair and hopelessness. Only trust Him with a cleansed heart of FAITH... faith that believes God's Word... and faith that trusts in God's love."

My friend, the Lord loves you, your spouse, and your children! He has good plans for you. There is always a bright future for those who place their faith in the Word of the Lord; for He is good and His mercy endures forever.

Life is never hopeless with Christ Jesus. He is our hope. He is our peace. He is our future.

If you are a child of the King, He will deliver you - for His names sake... not yours. Trust Him today and praise Him in advance for His goodness.

"And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, and shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord." - Ezekiel 37:13-14



In Christ,
Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries
Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women
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."