Jan

31

Bride or Prostitute?

By Jan Ross | Comments Off


The Question that Changed My Life
by Dr David Ryser

A number of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching at a school of ministry. My students were hungry for God, and I was constantly searching for ways to challenge them to fall more in love with Jesus and to become voices for revival in the Church. I came across a quote attributed most often to Rev. Sam Pascoe. It is a short version of the history of Christianity, and it goes like this:

Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise.

Some of the students were only 18 or 19 years old—and I wanted them to understand and appreciate the importance of the last line, so I clarified it by adding, “An enterprise. That’s a business.” After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class, raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be. I thought it was self-explanatory.

Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha’s raised hand, “Yes, Martha.” She asked such a simple question, “A business? But isn’t it supposed to be a body?” I could not envision where this line of questioning was going, and the only response I could think of was, “Yes.” She continued, “But when a body becomes a business, isn’t that a prostitute?”

The room went dead silent. For several seconds no one moved or spoke. We were stunned, afraid to make a sound because the presence of God had flooded into the room, and we knew we were on Holy ground. All I could think in those sacred moments was, “Wow, I wish I’d thought of that.” I didn’t dare express that thought aloud. God had taken over the class.

Martha’s question changed my life. For six months, I thought about her question at least once every day. “When a body becomes a business, isn’t that a prostitute?” There is only one answer to her question. The answer is “Yes.” The American (western) Church, tragically, is heavily populated by people who do not love God. How can we love Him? We don’t even know Him; and I mean really know Him.

We have made the Kingdom of God into a business, merchandising His anointing.

This should not be. We are commanded to love God, and are called to be the Bride of Christ–that’s pretty intimate stuff. Are we lovers or prostitutes?

I was pondering Martha’s question again one day, and considered the question, “What’s the difference between a lover and a prostitute?” I realized that both do many of the same things, but a lover does what she does because she loves. A prostitute pretends to love, but only as long as you pay. Then I asked the question, “What would happen if God stopped paying me?”

For the next several months, I allowed God to search me to uncover my motives for loving and serving Him. Was I really a true lover of God? What would happen if He stopped blessing me? What if He never did another thing for me? Would I still love Him?

I still catch myself being disappointed with God and angry that He has not met some perceived need in my life. I suspect this is something which is never fully resolved, but I want more than anything else to be a true lover of God.

So what is it going to be? Which are we, lover or prostitute?  there is no substitute for unconditional, intimate relationship with God. And I mean there is no palatable substitute available to us (take another look at Matthew 7:21-23 sometime). We must choose.

Dr. David Ryser-

Jan

30

Pillow Talk

By Jan Ross | Comments Off


“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me.”  (Song of Solomon 7:10)

Some of the most intimate conversations we have with our spouses occur while we lay in bed, in a darkened room, quiet, and nestled in the warmth of the covers.  The children are asleep, the phone is done ringing for the day, the television is quieted, and the house is at peace. 

Intimacy in today’s world is immediately equated with sex.  However, true intimacy can more easily be related to communion and communication with unguarded truthfulness.  More simply put, pillow talk!

The Father wants intimate moments with us, times of communion and communication with unguarded truthfulness.  He wants to hear from us our most private thoughts, our concerns, our joys, our fears, our victories, our praise, our disappointments, and our loving words of intimate worship.  Yet, we so thoughtlessly neglect this awesome privilege as we get caught up in our daily lives.

When was the last time you enjoyed “pillow talk” with the Father?  When was the last time you snuggled up close to him, nestled in the warmth of His presence, and shared the most private thoughts and intents of your heart?  Don’t you think it’s time for a good, intimate conversation with Him?

“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me.”  Yes, His desire is toward you so make time for your “pillow talk” now.  Don’t wait until you’re too tired to talk, don’t wait till you’re too tired to listen.  Intimacy with the Father is not an option, it’s a privilege we dare not take for granted!

Father, I’m ready to spend some “intimate” time with you. But first, Lord, please forgive me for not desiring You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.  You ARE my First Love, You ARE the Lover of my Soul, You ARE the One I long for, You ARE all I need.  Father, put a hunger deep in my soul for intimacy with You; help me never to neglect our time together. Help me to realize just how much Your desire is toward me.  Father, I commit myself to You once more; I’m ready for “pillow talk” with You.  Amen!

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

 

Jan

29

What Did You Say?

By Jan Ross | Comments Off


“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”  (Psalm 46:10)

Not long ago I heard a story about a young man and an old preacher. The young man had lost his job and didn’t know which way to turn. So he went to see the old preacher.

Pacing about the preacher’s study, the young man ranted about his problem. Finally he clenched his fist and shouted, “I’ve begged God to say something to help me. Tell me, Preacher, why doesn’t God answer?”

The old preacher, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply–something so hushed it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room. “What did you say?” he asked.

The preacher repeated himself, but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the preacher’s chair. “Sorry,” he said. “I still didn’t hear you.” With their heads bent together, the old preacher spoke once more. “God sometimes whispers,” he said, “so we will move closer to hear Him.” 

This time the young man heard and he understood. We all want God’s voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problems. But God’s is the still, small voice—the gentle whisper.

Perhaps there’s a reason. Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. God’s whisper means I must stop my ranting and move close to Him, until my head is bent together with His. And then, as I listen, I will find my answer. Better still, I find myself closer to God.

Father, help me to be still and listen intently by moving in closer to You. Lord, my relationship with You is more important to me than anything. Help me to stay at Your feet, learning of You, listening to You, worshipping You. Remind me, Lord, that there is no place I’d rather be than at Your feet, in Your presence, snuggled in close to You for it is in that place of intimacy that I’ll hear Your still, small voice guiding me and directing me in the path You have prepared for me. Father, I love You . . . forever.  Amen.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

 

Jan

28

Today Is One of Those Days

By Jan Ross | Comments Off


“Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.”  (1 Chronicles 29:11)

There are some times when our hearts just cry out, “Worship Him!” Today is one of those days.

You don’t feel like worshipping Him? Well take a minute and consider: MERCY, FORGIVENESS, SALVATION, ETERNAL LIFE, FAITHFULNESS, etc. Now, do you feel a little more like worshipping Him?

Good!

Take a look at the verse for today again . . . “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.”

Here’s a picture of God’s greatness . . . unspeakable, unfathomable, unmatchable! He is more than we could ever expect Him to be. He is greater than great, higher than high, holier than holy, mightier than mighty. He is sovereign over all, totally in control of everything. Nothing is too small for His care; nothing too big for Him to handle.

Are you facing some particularly big difficulties right now? Put on the garment of praise and shed that spirit of heaviness, lift up your eyes to God, and worship Him with all that is within you. Before long, the size of your problem will be nothing compared to the greatness of the Most High God!

Father, there is none like You in all the earth. You are mighty, You are holy. You are wonderful, You are glorious. You alone are God; there are none other. I ascribe greatness to Your name, O Lord. All power and glory; all honor and praise are Yours for You are the author of life itself and nothing can compare to You. Father, I worship You with all that is within me. Be exalted, O God, in the heavens, on the earth, and in my life. I love You. Amen!

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.” (Psalm 48:1)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

 

Jan

27

God and God Alone!

By Jan Ross | Comments Off


“For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.” (Psalm 22:28)

God is in control in our nation, our cities, our jobs, our school systems. Although the economy is not good, our family and friends are losing their jobs, the prices are rising, we serve a God who is “governor among the nations.” No matter how things look in the natural, God is in control. He and He alone.

There is no power in heaven or on earth that can match the power of God. No principality or power can usurp His might and His sovereignty over all. There is no reason to fear … our God is THE “governor among the nations.” He and He alone.

Wickedness may abound, yet God is in control. Unemployment may rise, yet God is in control. Prices of food and necessities may increase exponentially, yet God is in control. Family and friends may rise up and curse God, yet God is in control. Governments and committees and councils may fail, yet our God, the “governor among the nations” is in control. He and He alone.

Regardless what we face—disease, financial crises, family problems, loss of income, abandonment, rejection, pain, emotional turmoil, persecution, or whatever else may be going on in your life, our God is the “governor among the nations” and He is in control. He and He alone.

Do you live in fear? Are you afraid of the future? Do you see evil in the days growing worse and worse? There is no one or nothing out of God’s governing power. Rest in the fact that the end of history is already written and the Kingdom of God prevails because the King Himself has won the victory.

Let the peace of God reign in your heart—the peace that passes all human understanding. There is nothing God cannot do; He is the “governor among the nations” and there is nothing too difficult for Him. God is in control…He and He alone!

O Sovereign Lord, help me to put my trust in Your governorship over all that concerns me. Remind me moment by moment that there is nothing too difficult for You; that You are Lord, the “governor among the nations.” You and You alone! Help me to find peace in knowing You are in control. Because of Jesus and in His name I pray, amen and amen.

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14 KJV)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

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