CAN YOU write down all of the things that are amazing about our God? Can you imagine a life without a God like ours? Can you feel what it would be like if you had not chosen to believe and to follow Jesus Christ? I was watching a TV evangelist who was talking about our amazing life because of Jesus, and one of the things she reminded me of was; “Our God even causes the ocean waters to only cover the sand, and then it is to roll back to where it came from.” WOW!
I REMEMBER as a girl thinking about other people, outside of myself, who had a life; an existence separate from me. What were they like? What did they talk about? I knew my skin covered my body but they had skin also to cover theirs? How could that be? Foolish thinking huh? Just recently Jim express the same thoughts of when he was young and I thought if Jim thought about those kinds of things, then perhaps it was not just foolish thinking after all!
TODAY at 75, I wonder; what keeps other people outside of the Church? Why do they not see Jesus as their Savior? How can they live in this complex world without needing a Savior? We were all created the same, in God’s image! That image is with a built in desire to know God! Our amazing God is patient and kind! Why aren’t all the people in the world, standing in line to become one of His! The blessing of the day is “The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward everyone; not wishing that any should perish.” 2 Peter 3:9
ARE WE so use to God that we don’t see or hear Him like we use too? Shouldn’t we live in a state of amazement? Paul reminds Timothy to rekindle the gift of God that is within him and then he says; “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” 1 Timothy 1:7 When we become lax in our walk we need to set a fire under our feet and listen to what God is saying to us. God’s love is amazing and what He did for us is amazing; we need to shake ourselves out of our state of complacency, and get on fire once again, about who we are in Christ
IN THE YEAR OF 1997 The Promise Keepers held a conference called “Stand in the Gap.” Jim and my son Danny were there! Faye, Jennifer, My sister Joyce and myself went along so that we could sight see. We didn’t see as much as we wanted because we became so engrossed watching a million and a quarter men, that had gathered together from all over this country, and who found a renewal of one spirit, as at one point they said in unison, the name above all other names; ‘JESUS!’
THESE MEN didn’t just say the name, they were filled with An unleashed vigor that resounded up and down the mall in Washington, DC. The Spirit filled those men, and that place, while God did amazing things in their lives. They experienced an up front and personal confrontation with Jesus Christ Himself that day, and us girls stood in amazement! It gives me chills to think of the name “JESUS” filling the square in a place that need’s Him so desperately then, and more so, today!
I TALKED with a biker who had been on the road for approximately 5 days. They had left San Diego, California and picked up additional bikers along the way. By the time they met in Virginia, to cross the bridge over the Potomac River, the authorities were alerted and prepared to direct over 9000 bikers to the RFK Stadium, because there was not a place large enough to house them in DC. Our God is amazing, you only have to talk to one of the bikers to know that God was at work in them!
“SO THEN the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.” Mark 16:19 The Apostles and other disciples watched as Jesus ascended into heaven, and no one can convince me that they were not amazed! They had watched so many miracles! Each time they witnessed one, they stood amazed!
YOU AND I had been privy to the changes God has made in each one of us. We know where we were; we know where we are; and we know where we are going! Isn’t that amazing? There is an old song that says; “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene; and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean.” Jesus loves you and even me! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/24/13
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
MY HEARTS CRY! 5/19/13
MANY BOOKS, poems, and songs have been written with the heart in mind. We love to hear secular love songs that cause our hearts to cry. Remember; “My Heart Cries for you; sighs for you; dies for you; My heart longs for you; please come back to me!” I can still hear my favorite of the times; Patty Page singing this song. Jim has always felt that those who write these kinds of love songs are really longing for the love of Jesus. They don’t realize it, nor would they understand it, but the words can draw the heart of the Christian back into a longing for the presence of Jesus Christ, after we have abandoned Him.
“I HAVE a song that Jesus gave me, it was sent from heaven above. There never was a sweeter melody; Tis a melody of love!” Mr. Roth new exactly what I needed when he wrote this song. Jesus is a song within my heart and it is because of His love for me, that I am drawn to love Him. Another song says; “I love Him because He first loved me!” Do you believe that God can put these words into the pen of man, so that we would be lifted up to praise Him? I do!
TODAY is the birthday of the Church! Today is a reminder to me that Jesus began a good work in the Church so that He could draw His people together in harmony. “And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place!” Acts 2:1 A lot has happen since that day when the Apostles spoke to all the people in their own native tongue. Their own language so that they would know that the Messiah had come, and had completed His work on the cross, so that all men could be drawn to Him.
WHO KNOWS what lurks in the hearts of man? If you are of my age you would reply with; “The shadow knows!” But it is not the shadow, but God Himself that knows! “For He knows the secrets of the heart!” Psalms 44:21b We cannot hide from God no matter how we try or how many excuses we make, because God knows! Ever since I realized that I am an open book to God, I have become an open book to my family and to my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. I know that Jim wishes I could be more withdrawn and keep the up front and personal side of me, to myself. I believe, I might as well reveal my ways done in secret, so that those ways, will not become who I am.
GOD DIDN’T begin His Church to give us a place to hide, but a place to shine. “Am I a God at hand, says the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? Says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? Says the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:23-24 Our God is right here, He is wherever the Church is and He is where I am. How can I be someone I am not suppose to be? How can I pretend to be, who I am suppose to be? I want to be who God has created me to be! Don’t you?
LET’S BLOW out the candles on the birthday cake of the Church and remember what God has designed us to be. Let’s don’t bother to count how many candles, but look around at each other and give God all the praise and glory that is due Him. When He says, He is doing a good work in each one of us, let it be so! And I say; “Let it begin with me!”
“WHERE shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Hell, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Let only darkness cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you, for darkness is as light with you!” Psalms 139:7-12 Our God is awesome!
I BELIEVE even though David speaks of God as being everywhere, He is not a God that pulls the strings of our lives. He is independent of man, because He gave him choice. And yet God knows our hearts! The Holy Spirit convicts and Jesus Christ saves! Let’s celebrate the birthday of the Church and rejoice! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/18/13
“I HAVE a song that Jesus gave me, it was sent from heaven above. There never was a sweeter melody; Tis a melody of love!” Mr. Roth new exactly what I needed when he wrote this song. Jesus is a song within my heart and it is because of His love for me, that I am drawn to love Him. Another song says; “I love Him because He first loved me!” Do you believe that God can put these words into the pen of man, so that we would be lifted up to praise Him? I do!
TODAY is the birthday of the Church! Today is a reminder to me that Jesus began a good work in the Church so that He could draw His people together in harmony. “And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place!” Acts 2:1 A lot has happen since that day when the Apostles spoke to all the people in their own native tongue. Their own language so that they would know that the Messiah had come, and had completed His work on the cross, so that all men could be drawn to Him.
WHO KNOWS what lurks in the hearts of man? If you are of my age you would reply with; “The shadow knows!” But it is not the shadow, but God Himself that knows! “For He knows the secrets of the heart!” Psalms 44:21b We cannot hide from God no matter how we try or how many excuses we make, because God knows! Ever since I realized that I am an open book to God, I have become an open book to my family and to my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. I know that Jim wishes I could be more withdrawn and keep the up front and personal side of me, to myself. I believe, I might as well reveal my ways done in secret, so that those ways, will not become who I am.
GOD DIDN’T begin His Church to give us a place to hide, but a place to shine. “Am I a God at hand, says the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? Says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? Says the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:23-24 Our God is right here, He is wherever the Church is and He is where I am. How can I be someone I am not suppose to be? How can I pretend to be, who I am suppose to be? I want to be who God has created me to be! Don’t you?
LET’S BLOW out the candles on the birthday cake of the Church and remember what God has designed us to be. Let’s don’t bother to count how many candles, but look around at each other and give God all the praise and glory that is due Him. When He says, He is doing a good work in each one of us, let it be so! And I say; “Let it begin with me!”
“WHERE shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Hell, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Let only darkness cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you, for darkness is as light with you!” Psalms 139:7-12 Our God is awesome!
I BELIEVE even though David speaks of God as being everywhere, He is not a God that pulls the strings of our lives. He is independent of man, because He gave him choice. And yet God knows our hearts! The Holy Spirit convicts and Jesus Christ saves! Let’s celebrate the birthday of the Church and rejoice! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/18/13
Saturday, May 11, 2013
MOTHER'S DAY AGAIN? 5/12/13
AS FAR as I am concerned Mother’s Day can be everyday. Mother’s have contributed so much to who their children were, and what they grew up to be. Oh I know, that we would like to think that Mom and Dad knew nothing, but in fact they knew a whole lot more than we did when we first became parents. I remember calling my Mother after my babies came, for much needed direction in what I was suppose to do with them.
HOWEVER, I am glad we have a day set aside, to just honor Mothers! I wish my mother was here so that I could just tell her I love her! My mother wasn’t very demonstrative but I never felt she didn’t love me. Her love for all her children was evident in all the things she suffered and did just to raise her brood of 14. Of course the older ones helped with the younger ones but she was always in the mix. Remember the advertisement; “Do you know where your children are?” I believe my mother always knew where her kids were and we always knew where our Mother was.
A MOVEMENT began around 1868 by a woman named Anna Jarvis who wanted to honor her own mother and began to promote the idea. It didn’t just happen over night! Through the years others became involved and the idea spread. A few years before her desire, became more than an idea, Anna Jarvis died. A few years later, In 1908, Mother’s Day became of record. In 1914 Congress passed a law designating the 2nd Sunday in May to be a day to honor our Mothers.
I AM GLAD that we have such a day. It brings about celebrations that probably wouldn’t be enjoyed. Yesterday, the church I attend, held a Ladies Tea. A delightful time with many women, who brought their Mothers, Daughters and friends to share in what I called “Cup n Saucers; Life is Good!” For a woman, nothing is more pleasurable, than sitting around a table with friends sharing in the good things of life.
RECENTLY, I led a Bible Study on Mary entitled; “His Mother was always there!” We looked at all the scriptures that Mary was a part of, and the theme that seemed to surround her was; “She pondered these things in her heart!” His birth; His childhood; as a young man; following His ministry; His death on the cross and His resurrection. Much of her life was veiled in secrets, because Her first born, was the Son of God. The world wasn’t ready when he was born, and Jesus wasn’t ready until he met his cousin, John, in the water of baptism! When Jesus came up out of the water, God gave His stamp of approval and at the same time honored Mary, the mother of Jesus.
“AND WHEN they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter. John. James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and, his brothers.” Acts 1:13-14 Can you imagine what Mary was thinking right then? Can you imagine what release Mary must have felt to shed the mystery, and the secrets that she had kept in her heart? Can you imagine how full her heart was to have her other son’s sitting beside her in full accord; believing that their brother, her son, is indeed the Son of God!
MOTHER’S are unique people! God created them to conceive and to bare children. He created them with a heart to nurture and to love. Some mother’s don’t have a clue. The world does treacherous things to children and to women. But in Christ Jesus, things are different. A Christian mother ponders things of remembrance from smells, words, and pictures which causes her to reflect and relive moment by moment the delights of her children. And then, comes ‘grandchildren!’ “CHILDREN, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:2 “Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/11/13 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
HOWEVER, I am glad we have a day set aside, to just honor Mothers! I wish my mother was here so that I could just tell her I love her! My mother wasn’t very demonstrative but I never felt she didn’t love me. Her love for all her children was evident in all the things she suffered and did just to raise her brood of 14. Of course the older ones helped with the younger ones but she was always in the mix. Remember the advertisement; “Do you know where your children are?” I believe my mother always knew where her kids were and we always knew where our Mother was.
A MOVEMENT began around 1868 by a woman named Anna Jarvis who wanted to honor her own mother and began to promote the idea. It didn’t just happen over night! Through the years others became involved and the idea spread. A few years before her desire, became more than an idea, Anna Jarvis died. A few years later, In 1908, Mother’s Day became of record. In 1914 Congress passed a law designating the 2nd Sunday in May to be a day to honor our Mothers.
I AM GLAD that we have such a day. It brings about celebrations that probably wouldn’t be enjoyed. Yesterday, the church I attend, held a Ladies Tea. A delightful time with many women, who brought their Mothers, Daughters and friends to share in what I called “Cup n Saucers; Life is Good!” For a woman, nothing is more pleasurable, than sitting around a table with friends sharing in the good things of life.
RECENTLY, I led a Bible Study on Mary entitled; “His Mother was always there!” We looked at all the scriptures that Mary was a part of, and the theme that seemed to surround her was; “She pondered these things in her heart!” His birth; His childhood; as a young man; following His ministry; His death on the cross and His resurrection. Much of her life was veiled in secrets, because Her first born, was the Son of God. The world wasn’t ready when he was born, and Jesus wasn’t ready until he met his cousin, John, in the water of baptism! When Jesus came up out of the water, God gave His stamp of approval and at the same time honored Mary, the mother of Jesus.
“AND WHEN they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter. John. James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and, his brothers.” Acts 1:13-14 Can you imagine what Mary was thinking right then? Can you imagine what release Mary must have felt to shed the mystery, and the secrets that she had kept in her heart? Can you imagine how full her heart was to have her other son’s sitting beside her in full accord; believing that their brother, her son, is indeed the Son of God!
MOTHER’S are unique people! God created them to conceive and to bare children. He created them with a heart to nurture and to love. Some mother’s don’t have a clue. The world does treacherous things to children and to women. But in Christ Jesus, things are different. A Christian mother ponders things of remembrance from smells, words, and pictures which causes her to reflect and relive moment by moment the delights of her children. And then, comes ‘grandchildren!’ “CHILDREN, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:2 “Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/11/13 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
WHAT DOES R/R MEAN? 5/5/13
REMEMBER seeing the road sign R/R? My sister Joyce would say there’s a rough road ahead. To this day when I see the “railroad” sign I call it “rough road!” Most would recognize that sign to say, railroad tracks are ahead. Many use R/R as an abbreviation for rest and relaxation. American’s are known for their shortcuts regarding just about everything. Now days we use letters to identify Companies; names of persons, places and things. We use them to identify programs such as the WPA in the 40's, and today, AARP. And so it goes!
WE ARE A people of rest and relaxation and taking short cuts. We get tired easily and want a change of scenery. Now I am not saying that we are all alike. Many love where they are and who they are with and with what they are doing. I think, for the most part, I am like that! I even don’t mind all of the letters used to give an abbreviation for things, but I do mind having to remember what the letters say. For instance I know what the WPA and the AARP did and do, but what do the letters stand for?
MUCH OF our world or culture, is based solely upon the whims and desires of the individual. We seldom take into account those who belong to us, or depend upon us. Jesus said that we should consider others before we worry about ourselves. Do you know what Jesus is talking about? If we smack our thumb with a hammer, wouldn’t we want to give our thumb some tender loving care? Or do we have to flaunt that ugly, swollen thumb in everyone’s face to bring attention to our misjudgement?
I LOVE THE way God has provided for His kingdom, don’t you? He said that you should do unto others as you would want them to do to you. Yet, I hear of the body hurting one another because of silly discontents. Oh yes, discontent! We think we are either doing more than others, or our condition is more dire than others, or even there is a little bit of jealousy that can rear it’s ugly head. Paul says he learned how to be content in all situations. I am still learning that concept and I know many others are still in school with that one. But if we want Joy then we need to learn to love!
OUR FRIEND Paul has a way with words and he didn’t pull any punches in using his way, to help us to stay on track. “Therefore, beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 It never ceases to amaze me how Satan can get in the tiniest cracks and cause big break ups with God’s people. Can you see how we become pawns in Satan’s plan? Don’t let him interrupt your walk!
“BE WATCHFUL, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 Another way that God has provided for His people is by the teaching of His Word. He say’s His Word is for correction and reproving His Church. There is not a time when I am in His Word or sitting in the pew or a class room that I don’t feel God putting me in my place. He wants us to study His word so that we will become like Him. Now I know that each one of us is a far cry from being like Him; but the question is, are we striving to become like Him?
“AND LET US not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 The fruit that God has given each one of us is waiting to be tended to! The Holy Spirit is steady, and vigilant in providing us with all that we need, to claim God’s promises. Why should we get burned out? Why should we decide that we are too young or too old? Why? I was chosen by the pastor of my youth to be on the drapery committee when I was 10 years old. Here I am 75 years old and leading a Bible Study with faithful women who desire to have fellowship with one another and to continue to grow in God’s Word. Why? When you are tired or unhappy, God says to enter into His rest. When you are lonely and feel left out; get busy and join in!
“COME UNTO me all who are weary and heaven laden and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28 Don’t quit what you are doing, don’t find fault with one another; look for comfort and rest in Jesus Christ. Be renewed in your spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to encourage and lift you up. I love this abbreviation; PBPWMGINFWMY! Do you know what that says? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/3/13
WE ARE A people of rest and relaxation and taking short cuts. We get tired easily and want a change of scenery. Now I am not saying that we are all alike. Many love where they are and who they are with and with what they are doing. I think, for the most part, I am like that! I even don’t mind all of the letters used to give an abbreviation for things, but I do mind having to remember what the letters say. For instance I know what the WPA and the AARP did and do, but what do the letters stand for?
MUCH OF our world or culture, is based solely upon the whims and desires of the individual. We seldom take into account those who belong to us, or depend upon us. Jesus said that we should consider others before we worry about ourselves. Do you know what Jesus is talking about? If we smack our thumb with a hammer, wouldn’t we want to give our thumb some tender loving care? Or do we have to flaunt that ugly, swollen thumb in everyone’s face to bring attention to our misjudgement?
I LOVE THE way God has provided for His kingdom, don’t you? He said that you should do unto others as you would want them to do to you. Yet, I hear of the body hurting one another because of silly discontents. Oh yes, discontent! We think we are either doing more than others, or our condition is more dire than others, or even there is a little bit of jealousy that can rear it’s ugly head. Paul says he learned how to be content in all situations. I am still learning that concept and I know many others are still in school with that one. But if we want Joy then we need to learn to love!
OUR FRIEND Paul has a way with words and he didn’t pull any punches in using his way, to help us to stay on track. “Therefore, beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 It never ceases to amaze me how Satan can get in the tiniest cracks and cause big break ups with God’s people. Can you see how we become pawns in Satan’s plan? Don’t let him interrupt your walk!
“BE WATCHFUL, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 Another way that God has provided for His people is by the teaching of His Word. He say’s His Word is for correction and reproving His Church. There is not a time when I am in His Word or sitting in the pew or a class room that I don’t feel God putting me in my place. He wants us to study His word so that we will become like Him. Now I know that each one of us is a far cry from being like Him; but the question is, are we striving to become like Him?
“AND LET US not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 The fruit that God has given each one of us is waiting to be tended to! The Holy Spirit is steady, and vigilant in providing us with all that we need, to claim God’s promises. Why should we get burned out? Why should we decide that we are too young or too old? Why? I was chosen by the pastor of my youth to be on the drapery committee when I was 10 years old. Here I am 75 years old and leading a Bible Study with faithful women who desire to have fellowship with one another and to continue to grow in God’s Word. Why? When you are tired or unhappy, God says to enter into His rest. When you are lonely and feel left out; get busy and join in!
“COME UNTO me all who are weary and heaven laden and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28 Don’t quit what you are doing, don’t find fault with one another; look for comfort and rest in Jesus Christ. Be renewed in your spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to encourage and lift you up. I love this abbreviation; PBPWMGINFWMY! Do you know what that says? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/3/13
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