What does the word "salvation" mean, anyway?

DON'T OVERLOOK

the meaning of

SALVATION!

SALVATION

Deliverance; Health; Welfare; Aid; VICTORY; Prosperity; Rescue; Defend; Liberty; To Be Safe; To Preserve

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Have you ever pondered the word "SALVATION"? Do you ever question God's Will for your life? Is God only interested in where you'll spend eternity? Exactly what does the word "salvation" mean, anyway?

Early on in my Christian walk, I often found myself flipping and flopping over truths from God's Word. I would read where Jesus healed the sick, but then questioned God's Will when it came to Him healing me. Then, I would see where He delivered saints of old from impossible situations, but wondered if He "could really" or "would really" deliver me from the mess I had gotten myself into. One of the most perplexing questions for me to settle in my heart was that of "God prospering His children". While it was easy to see how God blessed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with earthly substance - and I understood that my Christian faith placed me under the same covenant that God made with Abraham - I still found myself unable to fully accept God's desire to bless me. It seemed each time I would grab hold of God's love for me, some naysayer (oftentimes another Christian) would cause me to doubt my faith.

Matthew 18:3

"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

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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."

The scripture teaches us that childlike faith is precious in the eyes of the Lord. In fact, God says it is IMPOSSIBLE to please Him without it. Have you ever noticed how this world tries to mold and shape your adult mind with "reasoning" and "logic" that hinder acts of faith; when really, God just wants us to step into the supernatural realm of endless possibilities? He is the God of the impossible!

Matthew 19:26

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

*******************

Mark 9:23

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

OK, so to settle my wishy-washy belief system, I decided - years ago - to buy a Bible concordance and study the word "salvation" for myself. It seemed the television preachers were confirming my inclinations of believing that God desired to do me good, while my local Christian authorities caused me to be "very cautious" in my faith. I wanted to know... "What DOES the word 'salvation' mean?"

Matthew 6:10

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."

It may surprise you (as it did me) to know that the word "salvation" means so much more than a ticket to heaven! While heaven is a place of magnificent eternal splendor in the presence of God; and, heaven is surely a worthy prize for keeping the faith through earthly trials and tribulations; it is only a part of "God's idea" for what it means to be a child of the King. You see, God is our heavenly "Father" and He WANTS TO GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO HIS CHILDREN!

Matthew 7:11

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

When "I" first found the definition of the word "salvation", my heart leaped for joy. I no longer felt that this earthly life was meant to be a time of constant and "unchangeable" suffering. I had a new hope that God would clear the path and make a way for me to achieve my goals. Revival of my soul birthed a concrete faith that was "unwavering" knowing that my Daddy (Abba Father) was "able" and "WILLING" to see me through to the VICTORY in all circumstances.

Yet, while I believed what I saw in the concordance about the word "salvation", my mind continued to question this finding. It is funny how we can sink back into doubt and unbelief after our initial decision to believe. Weird! So, to conquer this fleshly debate in my head, I would read the definition of the word "salvation"over and over and over again. For months, I would write it down, speak of it, think about it and ponder the fullness of this word "salvation"; the word that God speaks of repeatedly. I was determined to stop the leak in my soul that deflated my confidence in God's love for me.

You see, until we can fully comprehend God's love for us (as much as humanly possible, that is) our faith will be weak, oftentimes wavering. Then, we'll wonder "why" God didn't do for us what He did for others. Certainly, God is sovereign and reserves the right to do things in His timing for your benefit and for His glory, but just the same - HE IS NOT A MAN THAT HE SHOULD LIE! The biblical examples of His goodness toward those who "trusted Him with their whole heart" ARE His Will for you and I still today.

Numbers 23:19

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"

My friend, THE LORD WANTS YOU WHOLE! He wants you whole "in this life" and in the "life to come"! While our earthly journey is short and full of "tests", know that this life we now live is not meant to be an unending hellish experience. When Jesus gave the example of how to pray He said, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Jesus came to earth to show us the Will of the Father. When He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, made money appear in a fishes mouth, supernaturally fed 5000 with five loaves and two fishes, cast out demons, and even raised the dead; this was not something He did for show. No, He wanted to convince mankind of how much God loves them. Then, He said, "Greater works than these shall you also do."

John 14:12

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

God wants your eternity to begin NOW... on earth! Your earthly journey is to be "the beginning" of the many blessings God wants to bestow upon you. He wants to take you from glory to glory - as you trust Him and lean upon His every promise.

Be encouraged today! Salvation has come! Jesus has paid the price for YOU (and me) to live in VICTORY, now and forever! So put on that godly armour and "having done all, STAND" because the Lord is on your side!

Ephesians 6:13

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the

evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Yours in Christ,

Deborah

Deborah Ross Ministries
Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women
http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

DEBORAH ROSS MINISTRIES and the REMNANT WOMEN supporters reach around the world sharing hope and love found only in Jesus Christ.

At Deborah Ross Ministries, our desire is to open God's Word to all that have ears to hear. We deliver messages of faith, hope and love that transcend cultural, generational, and denominational boundaries.
Utilizing all forms of media in conjunction with our dedication to on-location events, Deborah Ross Ministries is on a mission to strengthen families and encourage women.
Our vision includes (but is not limited to): speaking events; conferences; Bible studies; Internet web-site publications; email encouragements; television; radio; the sale of audio / video / books and other printed publications; creative and artistic worship in music, song and dance.
By illuminating scriptures that teach life transforming principles and by imparting an atmosphere of faith that cultivates fertile ground for miracles, Deborah Ross Ministries and its Remnant Women supporters desire to boldly proclaim God's promises to the nations!

Some of our global friends in Christ include...

Pastor's Pavan and Ruben in India...

In India, Pastors Pavan and Ruben are using DRM devotionals and Bible studies to teach the women of their community.

Pastor Meshack in Kenya...

Pastor Meshack, of Kenya, uses DRM devotionals in ministering to men and women of his community.

Pastor's Michael and Ishrat from Pakistan...

Pastor's Michael and Ishrat enjoy sharing DRM devotionals. They will be starting a Christian television show soon and have asked DRM to send DVD teaching materials to be aired via their broadcast. Your support helps us to produce materials for this purpose.

Pastor Imran Rasheed, Pakistan

Pastor Imran Rasheed of Pakistan has offered to supply translators for DRM materials to be produced in their language. He has a large ministry that offers many different facets of the ministry of Jesus Christ for the people in his area.

Mark 16:15-20

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."

Thank you for YOUR support and thank your for praying for our friends around the world! Together, we can make a difference.

In Christ,

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

Bible Study: Help for those who are suicidal...

SUICIDE
is NOT... the answer!

Jeremiah 29:11

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

STOP! Those negative voices in your head are NOT from God! They are not the words of Jesus! They most certainly DO NOT communicate instructions from the Holy Spirit! And... those nagging oppressive voices are not even thoughts of your own!

The DEVIL is the one who comes to STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY (John 10:10). His tactics are to first get you offended. Then, he wants you to harbor unforgiveness, vengeance, or even severe depression. Finally, he sends hordes of demons to squat on your shoulders and chant your demise. And those nights of no sleep? Well, that's all part of his evil ploy; using solitude for the purpose of replaying your injury(s) over and over and over again. His imaginative movies in your mind always invent "what ifs" that far exceed the original crime against you. The devil will stop at nothing. In fact, he finds it quite amusing when you accept these haunting, hellish words of discouragement as if they were your own - and even worse, he would love to make you think these perverted suggestions are coming from God.

John 10:10

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

Focus on the second part of the scripture above which says it is Jesus who comes to give you life... AND GIVE YOU LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY! This promise is not only for the life to come (heaven), but also pertains to the life you currently live in this world (Mark 10:30 & Luke 18:30). God promises you that He is for you and not against you (Romans 8:31). Your Heavenly Father loves you and wants to turn things around for your good. He wants to work a miracle in your life. It grieves Him to be rendered unable to help you - because of your unforgiveness, doubt and unbelief. You see, fear and faith cannot co-exist. You must decide NOW to hold onto faith in God's Word while diligently seeking to drive away all fear and doubt. This may be a tough battle, but not one that is too hard for God.

Let's look at scripture to see what Jesus did with demons. Did He offer them a sedative? Did He counsel them? Did He ignore them? NO! He cast them out!!!

Matthew 8:16

"When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:"

Friend, a medicated demon is still a demon. You can't get rid of those voices with drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, gambling, pornography, or any other vice. These voices must be driven out - even cast out. (I fear that Americans are quickly becoming pharmaceutical junkies; always looking for a medicine to mask the pain, but not necessarily seeking the cure... Jesus the healer. Has anyone besides me noticed that many of the people who commit suicide are actually taking medications? Or, does anyone besides me ever hear the potential side effects from advertised drugs?) God wants to get to the "root" of your problem. He does not put bandaids on people - he heals them!

Scripture says we are to take "thoughts" captive. This means we should "catch" every negative thought and toss it out. Then, we are to replace that thought with a promise from God's Word that is the exact opposite of the thought that was sent to destroy you.

I know, for some of you these bad thoughts are coming at you faster than the speed of light. You are exhausted and you feel as though you don't have the ability to take these pounding messages captive. I've been there and I know - first hand - how you feel. But friend, you CAN conquer this hellish onslaught in your head!

First, however, you must make up your mind that you are "more than a conqueror" through the power of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37). You must accept the fact that God loves you and has good plans for you... ON EARTH. You must FORGIVE all of those who have offended you - perhaps even God! (Remember, forgiving requires forgetting. If you reserve the right to relive your anger, you have not forgiven.) Above all, you need to be a born-again child of God who craves His every Word.

Forgiveness is a process. It may take months or even years to drive the bitterness out of your heart and mind, but as you lean upon every Word of the Lord, you will prevail. I believe sometimes we need to cry out loud (really loud) in prayer; speaking God's Word as we purge the poisonous venom of unforgiveness. This may need to be done daily or perhaps many times a day - until you are completely healed. My friend, once you are clean from your mental anguish, it will be as if your were never hurt. God has a way of making tomorrow a new day - a new beginning!

Lamentations 3:22-23

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

During these tough economical times, many of you are suffering financially. These troubles can also affect your marriage. Then, a marriage on the rocks affects the children. The next thing you know, everything is upside down.

Or perhaps, you have had a horrible childhood. Perhaps you were abused.

Some of you have been assaulted by strangers. Out of nowhere, your life was invaded by a horrendous event or series of events that have left you feeling despondent about any sort of future joy.

Joel 2:25

"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm..."

DON'T LET THE DEVIL WIN! God wants to restore what the canker worm and the locust have eaten! He can restore your finances - even in the midst of a troubled economy. He can put your marriage back together - even if it appears it is over. He can give you back your joy. And He can calm your children. If He doesn't do any of this in your timing or in your way, I can guarantee you that He will do EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL YOU COULD ASK OR THINK (Ephesians 3:20)! He is a good God and He gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11 & Luke 11:13)! Your job... trust Him; for He is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19 & 1 Samuel 15:29).

So friend, don't play God. Don't accept any thoughts that encourage you to take your life into your own hands. God has put you here - on this earth - for such a time as this (Esther4:14). Who knows what your future holds? You could wind up being the most influential person (besides Jesus) to ever walk this dusty earth. God can take your testimony of overcoming life's trials to encourage millions. You might be broke today, and be a millionaire tomorrow. You might be miserably single this year and happily married next year. That heart of despair can instantly change into a heart of joy.

Trials don't last forever. There "is" a light at the end of your tunnel - and it is NOT a train! It's the light of Jesus! He is standing with open arms, radiating God's glory as he says, "Well done thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21 & 23)."

Think of it this way: a month, a year, or even many years of suffering is but a "small" fragment of your life - compared to a seventy, eighty or even hundred year life span. Also consider how that space of earthly suffering will seem so insignificant, compared to the eternal rewards of knowing you "passed the test" of earthly hardships for the glory of God:

YOU OVERCAME!

YOU SURVIVED!

YOU CAME OUT!

YOU LIVED, LAUGHED, AND LOVED!

(Revelation 12:11)

Now, find yourself a Holy Ghost filled church that speaks LIFE, surround yourself with honest friends who know Jesus intimately, and pull down those strongholds in your mind that are contrary to that of a Christian.

Jesus loves you... and so do I!

PS - Don't stop taking your medication unless the Lord tells you to. He is the one who knows what is best for you! Seek Him and Him alone; but don't assume that His only way of healing you is through medications. His Word is powerful!

Romans 12:2

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

2 Corinthians 10:5

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; ..."

Yours In Christ,

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries
http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

MARRIAGE - Bible Study Notes

Removing the Beam to Deal with the Dust

Luke 6:39-42 - KJV
"And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye."

MOTE = (what you see wrong with others)
Dictionary - a small particle or speck, esp. of dust
Strong's - dry stalk or twig; a straw; chaff

BEAM = (what God says needs to be addressed in our own lives)
Dictionary - any of various relatively long pieces of metal, wood, stone, etc.
Strong's - a beam; through the idea of holding up (could it be "holding up of ideas about ourselves that are not pure, true, holy, or the way God wants us to be)

LIFE LESSONS:
*In order to effectively PRAY for your wayward spouse, you will need to come to terms with the ROOT OF THE PROBLEM.
*Finding the ROOT will involve peeling away layers of masks: things normally “swept under the rug”, excuses, preconceived ideas, and even denominational theologies that have hindered your ability to see things through the eyes of God.
*As you pull down these strongholds, your understanding will be enlightened, creating a flow of prayer that is honest and unwavering.

***My Double Disc CD Series entitled ROOT DIGGER, NOT A RUG SWEEPER is a great resource for learning more about getting to the root of your problem. This study is available on my web-site at http://www.deborahrossministries.org/.***

We should ALWAYS examine ourselves before we examine our mate!

READ: PSALM 51 in its entirety - Point out 10-13...amplified version below…

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted and return to You."

How do you “teach” transgressors God’s ways? First, YOU must start with a clean heart. Then, God can use you to teach others. His promise is that sinners will be converted and turn to Him!!!

LIFE APPLICATION:
Marriage is a covenant. Once you are made one flesh by the supernatural power of God, you must work through difficulties that arise throughout life, no matter how painful. As you do your part - by doing what God commands of YOU - the Lord will do His part by arranging circumstances in your favor.

READ - 1 Peter 3:1-14 ... before continuing on with these study notes...

VS 1 – Be in SUBJECTION = dictionary: Under the power of; owing allegiance to another; not independent; liable; under the power of another.
_LOVE YOUR OWN HUSBAND, don’t wish he were like another man
_We should win them with our SWEET CONVERSATION (also VS 3) that causes them to fear God because they see you speaking in the fear of God.

VS 3 & 4 = Your husbands’ should love the inner person more than the outward person. Keep a meek and quiet spirit to win his affection.

VS 5 & 6 = Sara, Abraham’s wife, reverenced her husband and called him Lord. Sara was an outwardly beautiful woman even in old age, however, her inner beauty is what made her husband trust her.

VS 7 – Husbands honor your wife as the weaker vessel. God will show GRACE (give what’s not deserved) to you and ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS.

VS 8 & 9 – AGREE! Be of one mind. Give blessing to your husband, even if he doesn’t deserve it! YOU WILL INHERIT A BLESSING IF YOU DO!

VS 10 – Watch your MOUTH!! Watch your TONE!!! Speak kind words. In disagreements, use pleasant tones.

VS 11 & 12 – The Lord will bless YOU and answer your prayers, if you seek PEACE!

VS 13 – Don’t worry about what the world says about your sufferings for this season. Jesus suffered for our sins. We too, should be ready and willing to suffer for our mates sins, knowing that the Lord will REWARD US in due season. God has all power to CHANGE your situation.

God's Word says in 1 Corinthians 13:8, "Charity never faileth". LOVE NEVER FAILS! This means that the love of God coming toward us will not fail and it also means that the love of God flowing out of us will not fail.

*Are you "loving" that wayward spouse into the kingdom?

*Are you speaking the truth in a loving manner, or are you nagging? Men turn off the volume on women who nag... don't do it! (James 1:26)

*Are you praying effectively? Praying without wavering? Praying about the "root" of your problem? Praying about the "root" of your husband's problem? (James 1:5-6)

*Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal YOUR shortcomings and then repented of those things which may be hindering your ministry toward your spouse?

*Are you a "doer" of the Word and not just a "hearer" only? (James 1:22)

READ - James 1 - Entire Chapter

God is FOR YOUR MARRIAGE! He wants your marriage whole. He wants your mate saved. Will you be strong and of good courage? Will you walk in love, pray in faith, live in truth, and break generational curses... as you BELIEVE FOR GOD'S BEST... knowing He has good plans for you, your spouse, and your children.

Friends, my husband was an alcoholic, gambler, druggie, lying, cheating fool - for eighteen years of marriage - before Jesus transformed him into a gloriously new creature. Praise the Lord! Now, our family is whole.

Yes, I had to forgive (and it was not easy). Did you know forgiveness is a commandment, it is not an option? I figured, if I had to forgive, I wanted the prize! I wanted to be with my husband... until death do us part. Another great resource on "forgiving" is my CD Faith, Forgiveness, Future. You can order a copy at http://www.deborahrossministries.org/.

There is nothing that is too hard for God!

... so there it is... Love Never Fails! Your Prayer: "Lord help me get the BEAM out of my own eye, so that I can deal with the DUST in my mate's eye. Help me, Lord, to see things clearly through YOUR EYES. Take me up to the high place so that I may look down upon my situation to see things from your perspective. Thank you, Lord, for loving my family. Thank you for making us whole. I believe your Word is the truth and I stand in faith that my miracle will come to pass. In Jesus Name, Amen."

Revelation 12:11 - KJV
"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."

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

MY NEW BOOK IS REAL AND IT IS RAW.

A powerful testimonial of believing God for my marriage to be healed... against all odds... this book teaches you how to "apply" Gods Word to your situation while waiting for your miracle. Precept upon precept, you will laugh and you will cry as you journey down a familiar road of intimate thoughts, secret pain, and shattered dreams. Even so, you will be ENCOURAGED and EMPOWERED to fight the good fight of faith in your own marriage knowing...

"What He did for me, He'll do for you. Just believe!"

Hebrews 11:1

Todays mini-study corresponds to Chapter 2 of my new book -

Healing a Broken Marriage / Love Never Fails.

• To order your copy, mail $16.00 (includes shipping & handling in the USA) to the address below.
• For donations of $50.00 or more, a SIGNED COPY from the first print press run will be shipped to you immediately following the books release - FALL/WINTER 2009.
• Be sure to include your check along with your: MAILING ADDRESS, STATE, AND ZIP CODE. In addition, including your PHONE NUMBER with AREA CODE will expedite the process of your order.
• Mail in your order or donation today: Deborah Ross Ministries, P.O. Box 2186, Indian Trail, NC 28079

Yours In Christ,

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries

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/

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