HAVE YOU ever held a membership in something, but was not an active member? Jim has on occasion, sent money to organizations because he believed in what they stood for. Most time he would receive a membership card! His membership did not require that he do anything or be anything, except contribute money, occasionally.
SOMETIMES we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place because of what is in the world. The scriptures clearly tells us that we are in the world but not part of the world. Sounds poetic when you say it, but living it is complicated, and needs to be spelled out so we know where we stand.
WE DON’T have to shop in a store if we don’t want to. We don’t have to condone what the store sells or who sells it. We can choose where we go and who we go with. Christians hold to a biblical standard that is not normally acceptable to the world. By the same token the world doesn’t much care about the Christian standards we live by, and believe we will shop and buy from their stores anyway.
WE GO TO SISTERS once in a while and there is one store, that way in the back sells trinkets and obscene stuff, but in the front of the store it is clever and easy on the eye. I went once into the back and have never entered their store again.
I DON’T CARE if the hardest of all sinners work in a store, for me to shop, nor do I care where they have been, but I don’t need to shop in a store where their sins are flaunted before me as being normal and acceptable for all the world to see. My place is not to judge anyone in the world. My position is to keep myself from being caught up in political correctness where I find I am condoning what they do whether in secret or out in the open.
I AM NOT condemning anyone or saying that I am better than anyone. “For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war.” 2 Corinthians 10:3 I am merely stating that as a Christian I must keep myself from becoming a part of the world that I live in. It is not easy! It is true that if I carried this to the level of not living in the world because of all the sinners around me, I would die of starvation and go naked. I am free to shop where I want!
“BUT YOU are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people,” that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10
PETER is clearly defining who we are. “We are aliens in the world and are to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against our soul. Maintain good conduct among the world, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:11-12
WHEN I see an advertisement on TV where the spokespersons are openly immoral I mute and go the menu. Not that I don’t love the sinner as God has asked me to do, but because I will not allow myself to be put in a position of accepting their life style because of the product they are selling. I don’t watch movies that star those who’s private lives are immoral.
GOD SAYS we are to set ourselves apart. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in Him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away and the lust of it, but He who does the will of God abides for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17 Oh Lord; help me to understand! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/24/12
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
COUNT TO TEN 2/19/12
HOW BLESSED we are to have ten fingers and ten toes; at least most of us do. I imagine that most of us used these digits to learn how to count. Sometimes I catch myself using my fingers even now. Nothing wrong in that! God gave them to us for many purposes and who’s to say, that counting wasn’t one of them.
SOMEWHERE in the 50's or 60's we were taught to control our tempers by counting to ten. I suppose that is sound advise but my temper never gave me time to stop and think; “oh I must count to ten here!” I have heard parents say to their child who was having a temper tantrum, “lets count to ten now!” Can’t you just hear the infliction of their voice softly rising, to help the child to calm down. Perhaps that is when Mom needs to count to ten!
COUNTING is something we learn as a child when our brains are young, fresh, pliable and have plenty of room for remembering. Counting is one of those academic periods of training that remains as a part of our brain functions throughout our lives. Even God loves numbers and counting!
WE ARE fascinated with the numbers God uses. Many times 3 is used to signify days. Jonah in the Whale; Jesus in the tomb. Then there is 7 and 14 that indicate perfection. The scriptures also use numbers in stories to give us a picture of amazement. 10 Lepers and how Jesus healed all ten. They went away rejoicing, but one came back and fell to his knees, praising Jesus with thanksgiving. What happened to the 9? Remember the story of one little sheep that was separated from the flock? Even though the shepherd still had 99, he went looking for one that was lost.
THE POET SAYS; “ Let me count the ways;” when it comes to love. We say; “How many times have I told you not to do that?” We use a clock so we know when we are to get up, be somewhere, go to bed. Let me count the ways to keep me on schedule. Numbers and more numbers float around our heads. However, the question is do you know how to count the cost?
LEARNING general math was hard enough, but some have taken it to greater levels of understanding so they can go beyond the perplexities of basic arithmetic. God has laid it all out there and man is determined to find it. But still, do we know how to count the cost?
LOOKING AT God, our creator, David says; “How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand; when I awake, I am still with you.” David is amazed at God the Creator and God as His mentor. He is lost in just how amazing God is.
HOW DO YOU perceive God? Is He your creator, your mentor? Does He amaze you with His infinite glory? “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of the Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing the Christ, Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain the Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in the Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death. That if possible, I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11
PAUL KNEW what it meant to count the cost. He knew that he had to put his all on the line so that he could achieve the righteousness of God, because without God he could do nothing, but with God all things were possible. Sins separate us from God, but through Jesus who has reconciled us to Himself, has also given us a ministry of reconciliation. Before the law, sin didn’t count, but now through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and God remembers our sins no more! When we take up our cross and follow Jesus, we soon learn to count the cost. Living in the world but not being a part of the world is the cross we bear, but we do not bear it alone! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/16/12
SOMEWHERE in the 50's or 60's we were taught to control our tempers by counting to ten. I suppose that is sound advise but my temper never gave me time to stop and think; “oh I must count to ten here!” I have heard parents say to their child who was having a temper tantrum, “lets count to ten now!” Can’t you just hear the infliction of their voice softly rising, to help the child to calm down. Perhaps that is when Mom needs to count to ten!
COUNTING is something we learn as a child when our brains are young, fresh, pliable and have plenty of room for remembering. Counting is one of those academic periods of training that remains as a part of our brain functions throughout our lives. Even God loves numbers and counting!
WE ARE fascinated with the numbers God uses. Many times 3 is used to signify days. Jonah in the Whale; Jesus in the tomb. Then there is 7 and 14 that indicate perfection. The scriptures also use numbers in stories to give us a picture of amazement. 10 Lepers and how Jesus healed all ten. They went away rejoicing, but one came back and fell to his knees, praising Jesus with thanksgiving. What happened to the 9? Remember the story of one little sheep that was separated from the flock? Even though the shepherd still had 99, he went looking for one that was lost.
THE POET SAYS; “ Let me count the ways;” when it comes to love. We say; “How many times have I told you not to do that?” We use a clock so we know when we are to get up, be somewhere, go to bed. Let me count the ways to keep me on schedule. Numbers and more numbers float around our heads. However, the question is do you know how to count the cost?
LEARNING general math was hard enough, but some have taken it to greater levels of understanding so they can go beyond the perplexities of basic arithmetic. God has laid it all out there and man is determined to find it. But still, do we know how to count the cost?
LOOKING AT God, our creator, David says; “How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand; when I awake, I am still with you.” David is amazed at God the Creator and God as His mentor. He is lost in just how amazing God is.
HOW DO YOU perceive God? Is He your creator, your mentor? Does He amaze you with His infinite glory? “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of the Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing the Christ, Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain the Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in the Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death. That if possible, I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11
PAUL KNEW what it meant to count the cost. He knew that he had to put his all on the line so that he could achieve the righteousness of God, because without God he could do nothing, but with God all things were possible. Sins separate us from God, but through Jesus who has reconciled us to Himself, has also given us a ministry of reconciliation. Before the law, sin didn’t count, but now through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and God remembers our sins no more! When we take up our cross and follow Jesus, we soon learn to count the cost. Living in the world but not being a part of the world is the cross we bear, but we do not bear it alone! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/16/12
Saturday, February 11, 2012
CANDIES, FLOWERS & HEARTS, OH MY! 2/12/12
UNLESS your birthday or your anniversary, is on Valentines day, most husbands and men in general haven’t got a clue that it is all about romance and not the day. A dinner out is the usual! Sometimes candy! But for the most part, unless the wife or girl makes plans it’s just another day.
WHILE I was working at the a title company, Jim would contribute to a fund raiser for some organization through the school district, and would have a dozen long stem red roses delivered to me around Valentines day. The first time, the guy who delivered them would not say who they were from, nor where he was from. I finally called Jim and he had to admit he had them sent. I loved that! All the girls in the office were just a little bit jealous. Sometimes it makes you feel a little bit special when others express a desire to want what you have.
AT A CHURCH we attended, we went to a couple of Valentine Dinners that were catered by the most prestigious caterer in town. Most adults, couples or not, were there! A few times our Master of Ceremonies would host a game show of TV renown, called “The Newly Wed Game.” One time Jim and I were called upon to participate. No one really wanted to be in the game because, most of the time, it was a little embarrassing. But oh so funny! I have to agree though, that a good time was had by all!
DID YOU KNOW Valentine’s Day is celebrated all over the world? Most countries celebrate Valentine's Day by expressing love to sweethearts, spouses and special ones. However, customs and traditions of celebrating the festival vary in different countries due to social and cultural differences. But the barriers are thrown down when it comes to telling our special ones just how much we love them. Valentine cards to light up our hearts; a special dinner so we can look at each other in candle light; buying candy and little gifts for our kids when they were small and now our grandsons. Just how fun is that? Little things mean a lot!
I RECEIVED an acrostic for John 3:16 in a birthday card, which comes close to Valentine’s Day. I am sure most of you have seen this, but if you haven’t, take the time to circle the letters of the word Valentine in this verse. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life!”
THE MORNING that Jesus was born, love was in the world and it came from God in the form of a baby. The reason for the baby was so that He could become the man of sorrows that we read about in God’s Word. When I received the acrostic of John 3:16 I immediately thought that this was the first valentine ever sent. It was filled with love, purpose and a promise, and it is the most memorized verse in the entire Bible.
MR. VALENTINE, or so I am told, was a man that while in prison, wrote a note to someone he cared for and signed it; “Love, your Valentine!” This may or may not be totally accurate but I bet he never thought his name would be remembered in history, concerning a day of love.
IF YOU had a scripture that you could paraphrase into a valentine to God, what would it be? I love the song that says; “I love Him because, He first loved me; He first loved me, He first loved me. I love Him because, He first love me, and died on the cross of Calvary.” God writes to us about love through His own words, and through those who spoke for Him. Have you captured His words of love just for you? Have you noticed that He laid down His life just for you?
MY VALENTINE to God is; “God, you are rich in mercy, and out of that great love you have loved me! Even when I was dead in sin, you have made me alive by your grace. My love is yours for ever and ever.” Ephesians 2:4-5 My Valentine to Jim is; “Thank you for being my Valentine ever since the day you said “I love you!” To my children; “You are the valentines of my heart!” And to all of you; Could it be that In Jesus, we are God’s Valentines? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/8/12
WHILE I was working at the a title company, Jim would contribute to a fund raiser for some organization through the school district, and would have a dozen long stem red roses delivered to me around Valentines day. The first time, the guy who delivered them would not say who they were from, nor where he was from. I finally called Jim and he had to admit he had them sent. I loved that! All the girls in the office were just a little bit jealous. Sometimes it makes you feel a little bit special when others express a desire to want what you have.
AT A CHURCH we attended, we went to a couple of Valentine Dinners that were catered by the most prestigious caterer in town. Most adults, couples or not, were there! A few times our Master of Ceremonies would host a game show of TV renown, called “The Newly Wed Game.” One time Jim and I were called upon to participate. No one really wanted to be in the game because, most of the time, it was a little embarrassing. But oh so funny! I have to agree though, that a good time was had by all!
DID YOU KNOW Valentine’s Day is celebrated all over the world? Most countries celebrate Valentine's Day by expressing love to sweethearts, spouses and special ones. However, customs and traditions of celebrating the festival vary in different countries due to social and cultural differences. But the barriers are thrown down when it comes to telling our special ones just how much we love them. Valentine cards to light up our hearts; a special dinner so we can look at each other in candle light; buying candy and little gifts for our kids when they were small and now our grandsons. Just how fun is that? Little things mean a lot!
I RECEIVED an acrostic for John 3:16 in a birthday card, which comes close to Valentine’s Day. I am sure most of you have seen this, but if you haven’t, take the time to circle the letters of the word Valentine in this verse. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life!”
THE MORNING that Jesus was born, love was in the world and it came from God in the form of a baby. The reason for the baby was so that He could become the man of sorrows that we read about in God’s Word. When I received the acrostic of John 3:16 I immediately thought that this was the first valentine ever sent. It was filled with love, purpose and a promise, and it is the most memorized verse in the entire Bible.
MR. VALENTINE, or so I am told, was a man that while in prison, wrote a note to someone he cared for and signed it; “Love, your Valentine!” This may or may not be totally accurate but I bet he never thought his name would be remembered in history, concerning a day of love.
IF YOU had a scripture that you could paraphrase into a valentine to God, what would it be? I love the song that says; “I love Him because, He first loved me; He first loved me, He first loved me. I love Him because, He first love me, and died on the cross of Calvary.” God writes to us about love through His own words, and through those who spoke for Him. Have you captured His words of love just for you? Have you noticed that He laid down His life just for you?
MY VALENTINE to God is; “God, you are rich in mercy, and out of that great love you have loved me! Even when I was dead in sin, you have made me alive by your grace. My love is yours for ever and ever.” Ephesians 2:4-5 My Valentine to Jim is; “Thank you for being my Valentine ever since the day you said “I love you!” To my children; “You are the valentines of my heart!” And to all of you; Could it be that In Jesus, we are God’s Valentines? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/8/12
Saturday, February 4, 2012
A WHIP CREAM KIND OF MORNING! 2/5/12
RECENTLY we took a trip to California to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. At one point we spent time with some of my family and stayed with my niece Leslie and her husband Doug. A year or so ago, they received a gift who just appeared in their yard and eventually after some time became a permanent member of their household. It is a beautiful story to be told, but it is their story! However, I want to share with you a daily routine of Kava and his masters.
KAVA is a 5 year old Malamute/wolf canine of distinction. He is big! He is masterful! He is fur from head to toe! He watches very shrewdly and misses nothing! At first he was to stay in the garage at night because one of his masters had major allergies to felines and canines. Because their yard is small it was decided to take Kava on a two mile walk twice a day.
WHILE we were there Doug had taken Kava for his walk. When they returned he prepared Kava his breakfast and sitting it down before him, he called Leslie and she went to the refrigerator and took out a can of whip cream. Meanwhile Kava is sitting in front of his breakfast plate waiting. Leslie walks out the door and sprays whip cream on top of Kava’s breakfast and he begins to eat.
APPARENTLY on one of their walks Doug stopped at the coffee place and ordered a cappuccino. The Barister asked if he wanted a puppuccino for his dog. Not really knowing what that was, she explained; he will love it! Why not Doug thought; he was having one! She gave Doug his cup and placed Kava’s in front of him; a cup full of ice with whip cream on top. She was right, Kava loved it and licked and licked until it was time to move on.
NOW IT IS routine for a can of whip cream in the refrigerator just for Kava. Makes sense to me that whip cream, isn’t just for dessert anymore! Sometimes my desire is to just have a bowl of whip cream. Is there anyone else out there like that? I would hate to think it was just Kava and me.
INTERESTINGLY enough, the allergies that are so prevalent in Doug, don’t seem to be affected by the presence of Kava. Kava still is put in the garage on occasion, but has his place in the house. After all he is a member of this family and believe me, I wouldn’t want to challenge his place at all! Who knows; perhaps one day he will be in their bed!
WHAT I find interesting about this threesome is that even though the allergies were an issue, they were going to keep Kava anyway. Even though you would walk into this beautiful home, animals would not cross your mind, because it just wouldn’t compute. Many times we find ourselves going somewhere or doing something that we never would have dreamed we would be going or be doing. We stand amazed where we find ourselves!
WHEN Paul started on the road to Damascus with authority in his possession to destroy a movement that was sweeping the country, how was he to know that in a moment all that would change and he would be blinded. “For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything.” Acts 9:9 Try to picture the panic and anguish of this devoutly religious man who suddenly discovered he had been fighting against the very God he loved and served!
HOW MANY times have we done the same thing as Paul? Start out with conviction and say no to God by heading down a different path? We blame our mind that is set on our circumstances and environment; but when we take a chance, we find we can do all things through Christ. Paul’s blindness was proof that what happened was real. Because of no allergies, Kava finding a home with Leslie and Doug, was proof and these two are loving it. Having a whip cream kind of morning can give us an edge to begin again! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/1/12
KAVA is a 5 year old Malamute/wolf canine of distinction. He is big! He is masterful! He is fur from head to toe! He watches very shrewdly and misses nothing! At first he was to stay in the garage at night because one of his masters had major allergies to felines and canines. Because their yard is small it was decided to take Kava on a two mile walk twice a day.
WHILE we were there Doug had taken Kava for his walk. When they returned he prepared Kava his breakfast and sitting it down before him, he called Leslie and she went to the refrigerator and took out a can of whip cream. Meanwhile Kava is sitting in front of his breakfast plate waiting. Leslie walks out the door and sprays whip cream on top of Kava’s breakfast and he begins to eat.
APPARENTLY on one of their walks Doug stopped at the coffee place and ordered a cappuccino. The Barister asked if he wanted a puppuccino for his dog. Not really knowing what that was, she explained; he will love it! Why not Doug thought; he was having one! She gave Doug his cup and placed Kava’s in front of him; a cup full of ice with whip cream on top. She was right, Kava loved it and licked and licked until it was time to move on.
NOW IT IS routine for a can of whip cream in the refrigerator just for Kava. Makes sense to me that whip cream, isn’t just for dessert anymore! Sometimes my desire is to just have a bowl of whip cream. Is there anyone else out there like that? I would hate to think it was just Kava and me.
INTERESTINGLY enough, the allergies that are so prevalent in Doug, don’t seem to be affected by the presence of Kava. Kava still is put in the garage on occasion, but has his place in the house. After all he is a member of this family and believe me, I wouldn’t want to challenge his place at all! Who knows; perhaps one day he will be in their bed!
WHAT I find interesting about this threesome is that even though the allergies were an issue, they were going to keep Kava anyway. Even though you would walk into this beautiful home, animals would not cross your mind, because it just wouldn’t compute. Many times we find ourselves going somewhere or doing something that we never would have dreamed we would be going or be doing. We stand amazed where we find ourselves!
WHEN Paul started on the road to Damascus with authority in his possession to destroy a movement that was sweeping the country, how was he to know that in a moment all that would change and he would be blinded. “For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything.” Acts 9:9 Try to picture the panic and anguish of this devoutly religious man who suddenly discovered he had been fighting against the very God he loved and served!
HOW MANY times have we done the same thing as Paul? Start out with conviction and say no to God by heading down a different path? We blame our mind that is set on our circumstances and environment; but when we take a chance, we find we can do all things through Christ. Paul’s blindness was proof that what happened was real. Because of no allergies, Kava finding a home with Leslie and Doug, was proof and these two are loving it. Having a whip cream kind of morning can give us an edge to begin again! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/1/12
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