NOT LONG after we moved to Oregon, we discovered several roadside picnic areas along the Rogue River. In these spots the river was narrow and curvy, cascading downwards towards the estuaries that eventually would flow into the Pacific Ocean. Although there were several of these picnic areas, we had our favorite. It had only a few tables and place to park your vehicle. That part of the wayside wasn’t spectacular, but getting beyond the brush and the trees there was the river and ‘Naked Defiance!’
NAKED DEFIANCE defied the bend in the river! It stood tall, stately, and unbending as it overlooked the rushing waters. With years of penetrating watchfulness, on stormy days, when the rains would come, and the river would rise, the water would submerge the lower half of this old tree, until eventually it washed all the dirt away and left the rugged roots exposed. This massive tree eventually became vulnerable and yet immoveable.
THIS TREE, needless to say, was our main attraction! Oh it was fun watching the water racing down and out of sight around the bend; listening to the birds and wishing we could get in the water. However, it was far too swift! Through the years the water had carved out a small beach and we would lay on our blanket and watch the kids playing close to the shore. No wading, nor getting too far out, so as to get caught in the swift undercurrents. We would be all by ourselves, being one with nature! Asking; "Was this tree part of God’s initial creation?
FOR YEARS I wanted Jim to paint me a picture of Naked Defiance, as it stood there tall and stately. It fascinated me to see so much of it exposed to the elements and wondered why it just didn’t topple over. The picture of this tree is in our memory, the photo’s are hidden in albums.
YEARS went by and one day we returned to revisit our old friend by the river. A restoration project had been underway while we were just living our lives! The ground had been reinforced and rebuilt up around the rugged roots of that stately old tree. The beach was gone and the water was rapidly moving along, paying no attention, that the curve in the bend of the river had been restored to it’s natural state. You couldn’t just walk out to the water edge anymore, but we stood on a small knoll, standing under the outstretched branches of this massive tree overlooking the rushing waters.
I KNOW many of you have seen such trees or some quite similar, as you have traveled our grand country. I know that you have stories to tell of your experiences, wondering about God’s creation. I know we all, always stand amazed as we see the scriptures come to life, many times over.
"BLESSED is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out it’s roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for it’s leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 We still call him ‘Naked Defiance’ even though, today, we probably should call him ‘God’s Masterpiece!’ There he stands fully dressed, in all his grandeur. Fully strengthened by the soil that surrounds him and the waters that had been giving him nourishment since the beginning.
I CALL a stretch of Hwy 62 in Southern Oregon, just past Prospect; "The Cathedral of Trees!" Massive, defiant and full of majesty! Tree’s that stretch towards and fill the sky with its branches. Oh to be like these huge trees covering the expanse above. Oh to be like Naked Defiance standing by the water, being strong and faithful with branches held out towards the sun, soaking in all of God’s goodness! We too are God’s creation! Do we attract the attention that Naked Defiance did? Can a restoration movement begin in us? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/28/14
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Saturday, June 21, 2014
TURN ON YOUR TABLET! 6/22/14
WHAT IS our world coming to? I received an e-mail a while back and filed it for future use. I came across it the other day and decided it had merit and that I needed to add it to my Morning Glory topics. It was referred to as a satire and was sent from one pastor to another. It has humor but it is oh so true, and isn’t far off from actually becoming a matter of fact! It begins with the Pastor greeting his congregation: "Praise the Lord!" The congregation greets the pastor with; "Hallelujah!"
THEN THE MORNING BEGINS: Pastor: "Will everyone please turn on your tablet, PC, iPad, smart phone, and Kindle Bibles to 1 Corinthians 13:13. And please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon.." (A short pause!) "Now, Let us pray committing this week into God’s hands. Open your Apps, BBM, Twitter and Facebook, and chat with God!" (S-i-l-e-n-c-e) . THE PASTOR continues; "As we take our Sunday tithes and offerings, please have your credit and debit cards ready." "You can log on to the church Wi-Fi using the password ‘Lord909887.’
A. "THOSE who prefer to make electronic fund transfers are directed to computers and laptops at the rear of the church.
B. THOSE who prefer to use iPads can open them.
C. THOSE who prefer telephone banking, take out your cell phones to transfer your contributions to the church account."
THE HOLY atmosphere of the Church becomes truly electrified as ALL the smart phones, iPads, PCS and laptops beep and flicker! The Pastor continues with the; "Final blessing and closing announcements......."
A. THIS week’s ministry cell meetings will be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual group chatting takes place. Please log in and don’t miss out.
B. THURSDAY’s Bible study will be held live on Skype at 1900 hrs GMT. Please don’t miss out!
C. YOU CAN follow your Pastor on Twitter this weekend for counseling and prayers.
D. GOD BLESS you and have a nice day!
THE ONLY question I have regarding the possibility of all of this is; "WHAT ABOUT ME!" I don’t have all that stuff and if I did, I am not sure I would know how to do all of that, and be able to walk close with the Lord. I need to be refueled and reset! I want that time to remember the Lord right along side all of His followers. I have needs, that electronics could never fill! Not even if they were done by robots or automated!
I LOVE IT when we come together and sing songs giving Him all our praise and worship. I love it when we honor Him by focusing our attention upon Him and giving Him our words of love. I love it when we can bring our sacrifice of praise into His house! The highlight for me is when we come together around His table and remember how much He loves me! WOW! My heart is filled up with His love for me and His people. Makes me feel good and gives me the power to continue keeping on!
"THIS IS THE DAY that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalms 118:24 Let’s forget about our toys and come into His house to worship Him and to magnify His name. Nothing is more glorious than to be in God’s house with God’s people giving Him all the praise and the glory that is due Him! Amen! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/19/14
(Pastors Raymond Scott and Phil Roland)
THEN THE MORNING BEGINS: Pastor: "Will everyone please turn on your tablet, PC, iPad, smart phone, and Kindle Bibles to 1 Corinthians 13:13. And please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon.." (A short pause!) "Now, Let us pray committing this week into God’s hands. Open your Apps, BBM, Twitter and Facebook, and chat with God!" (S-i-l-e-n-c-e) . THE PASTOR continues; "As we take our Sunday tithes and offerings, please have your credit and debit cards ready." "You can log on to the church Wi-Fi using the password ‘Lord909887.’
A. "THOSE who prefer to make electronic fund transfers are directed to computers and laptops at the rear of the church.
B. THOSE who prefer to use iPads can open them.
C. THOSE who prefer telephone banking, take out your cell phones to transfer your contributions to the church account."
THE HOLY atmosphere of the Church becomes truly electrified as ALL the smart phones, iPads, PCS and laptops beep and flicker! The Pastor continues with the; "Final blessing and closing announcements......."
A. THIS week’s ministry cell meetings will be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual group chatting takes place. Please log in and don’t miss out.
B. THURSDAY’s Bible study will be held live on Skype at 1900 hrs GMT. Please don’t miss out!
C. YOU CAN follow your Pastor on Twitter this weekend for counseling and prayers.
D. GOD BLESS you and have a nice day!
THE ONLY question I have regarding the possibility of all of this is; "WHAT ABOUT ME!" I don’t have all that stuff and if I did, I am not sure I would know how to do all of that, and be able to walk close with the Lord. I need to be refueled and reset! I want that time to remember the Lord right along side all of His followers. I have needs, that electronics could never fill! Not even if they were done by robots or automated!
I LOVE IT when we come together and sing songs giving Him all our praise and worship. I love it when we honor Him by focusing our attention upon Him and giving Him our words of love. I love it when we can bring our sacrifice of praise into His house! The highlight for me is when we come together around His table and remember how much He loves me! WOW! My heart is filled up with His love for me and His people. Makes me feel good and gives me the power to continue keeping on!
"THIS IS THE DAY that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalms 118:24 Let’s forget about our toys and come into His house to worship Him and to magnify His name. Nothing is more glorious than to be in God’s house with God’s people giving Him all the praise and the glory that is due Him! Amen! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/19/14
(Pastors Raymond Scott and Phil Roland)
Sunday, June 15, 2014
A FATHER TO REMEMBER! 6/15/14
IS THERE A difference between being a Father or a Dad? Is it a matter of the name or is it in what happens between a man and his child? When I refer to my Dad as my Father, I am saying that he is my birth Father; I am in his ima; I have his genes! When I refer to my Father as my Dad, he is the one who raised me! I look towards several of my brothers as father figures, because they were always there for me and took care of me! God was the Father of Jesus but Joseph raised Jesus. As his "legal" Father, he was his Dad. I have never really considered the difference between father and Dad but according to the dictionary a Father is a male parent; A dad is the 15th letter of the Arabic alphabet. Hummm
LET’S LOOK at some biblical fathers and see if our fathers can relate to any one of them. Enoch was a Father; and he was also the Dad and taught his children about God! Noah was a Father, and he was also a Dad and encouraged his sons to help build the Ark! Abraham was a Father, and he played with his children and they loved him as a Dad! King David was a Father, but had trouble with his children - kings are sometimes aloof. Hard to be a Dad when you are aloof, he shed many a tear over his children! Joseph was a legal Father. Jesus was his step-son! And he was a Dad! He allowed Jesus in his shop and taught him to be a carpenter. He taught Him in the ways of God. Jesus knew the scriptures because He was taught my Joseph. God is the epitome of Fatherhood! His relationship with Jesus was so full that Jesus could do nothing else, but live for Him.
WE ARE GOD’S adopted children; we are brothers and sisters of Jesus through adoption! This makes God our Dad? He loves us as His own! He cares for us and hurts, when we hurt. He says; "Come unto me!" Jesus says; I am your friend - No matter how we want to look at it, Jesus is our Savior and friend, and God is our heavenly Father
a. Psalms 68:5 "A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation." God has chosen to love us, as His children!
b. Psalms 103:13 "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him!" We should love, honor and obey our earthly fathers; God we should fear with love, honor and obedience!
c. Proverbs 10:1 "A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother." Knowing the difference between a wise and foolish son is good!
d. Proverbs 17:21 "He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow. And the father of a fool has no joy!" A disobedient child, is a worldly child - pray for them!
e. Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and you our potter; and all of us are the work of your hand." Mankind was created by God, therefore we must submit to Him, so He can finish His work, in us!
f. Matthew 7:21 "Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father, who is in heaven." God knows our hearts, therefore we cannot fool Him; because He is no fool!
g. Matthew 10:37 "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Loving, honoring and obeying our parents is the will of the Father. Doing this is God’s will; this shows we love the Father more, when we are in His will.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all you Fathers who have allow God to change you into the kind of Dad that is needed in this world. Loving your children; teaching them about God the Father and Jesus, His Son! Teaching them to observe all things that are of God! Enjoy your day and Praise the Lord for your children! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/15/14
LET’S LOOK at some biblical fathers and see if our fathers can relate to any one of them. Enoch was a Father; and he was also the Dad and taught his children about God! Noah was a Father, and he was also a Dad and encouraged his sons to help build the Ark! Abraham was a Father, and he played with his children and they loved him as a Dad! King David was a Father, but had trouble with his children - kings are sometimes aloof. Hard to be a Dad when you are aloof, he shed many a tear over his children! Joseph was a legal Father. Jesus was his step-son! And he was a Dad! He allowed Jesus in his shop and taught him to be a carpenter. He taught Him in the ways of God. Jesus knew the scriptures because He was taught my Joseph. God is the epitome of Fatherhood! His relationship with Jesus was so full that Jesus could do nothing else, but live for Him.
WE ARE GOD’S adopted children; we are brothers and sisters of Jesus through adoption! This makes God our Dad? He loves us as His own! He cares for us and hurts, when we hurt. He says; "Come unto me!" Jesus says; I am your friend - No matter how we want to look at it, Jesus is our Savior and friend, and God is our heavenly Father
a. Psalms 68:5 "A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation." God has chosen to love us, as His children!
b. Psalms 103:13 "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him!" We should love, honor and obey our earthly fathers; God we should fear with love, honor and obedience!
c. Proverbs 10:1 "A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother." Knowing the difference between a wise and foolish son is good!
d. Proverbs 17:21 "He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow. And the father of a fool has no joy!" A disobedient child, is a worldly child - pray for them!
e. Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and you our potter; and all of us are the work of your hand." Mankind was created by God, therefore we must submit to Him, so He can finish His work, in us!
f. Matthew 7:21 "Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father, who is in heaven." God knows our hearts, therefore we cannot fool Him; because He is no fool!
g. Matthew 10:37 "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Loving, honoring and obeying our parents is the will of the Father. Doing this is God’s will; this shows we love the Father more, when we are in His will.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all you Fathers who have allow God to change you into the kind of Dad that is needed in this world. Loving your children; teaching them about God the Father and Jesus, His Son! Teaching them to observe all things that are of God! Enjoy your day and Praise the Lord for your children! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/15/14
Sunday, June 8, 2014
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON! 6/8/14
I REALIZE as I get older my mind wanders back to a time before husband, children, in-laws, employment and even retirement. I had a whole different life! For me it was a good life! For me I was happy and full of promise of what was to come. I have pictures on my walls and cards in albums; I have trinkets and do dads to cause my mind to go back to another time full of people that I loved. Today I have a computer that has e-mail! Yes; "I get mail!" When it works it is very good, but when it has problems boy do I get frustrated!
SOME YEARS back a dear friend from my youth sent me an email. He too liked to wander back into time and remember. His email began; "Dear Junior Church friends from long ago." Believe me when he said long ago he meant it. He was in his early 70's! He goes on with the following; "We use to sing songs from the small "Victory" spiral song book. Iona Kay, or sometimes her mother would accompany us on the piano. Bashful Jane Ann would sometimes lead our song service. We were taught at that young tender age by our talented minister and his wife on how to lead songs properly. What a Bible and Christian education we had. We use to have Bible quiz’s and Bible drills where the first one to find the scripture would stand up and read it. What fun to be the first one to find it! I still carry my Bible most every Sunday and follow most all scripture readings. I do not have to be told how to find them. This also reminds me of Junior High; High School; Friday night rallies; Sunday night sings, especially the Compton Sings; the Mid winter and Spring conferences; and summer camps."
I HAVE to agree with Wayne, that our youth was an amazing time! Not quite the same today! To many choices out there for kids, teenagers and young adults. Because our world says so many things are okay, even though they are contrary to God’s Word, trouble becomes second nature to them. If it is not against the law, then it must be okay! If others don’t turn their noses up regarding these abominations, as they are called in God’s Word, then it must be okay, because our culture has changed.
MY HEART aches for our youth that are searching for answers and find them in all the wrong places. Churches are more and more dropping the idea of having Sunday School that teaches our young people about God, His Son and how to live for Him. Instead they offer things that don’t include babies; toddlers, pre-Schoolers, primary age and so on. The seekers are the ones we must teach so that they can teach. "And they were bringing children to Him, that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it He was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God." Mark 10:13-14
GOD CALLS young and old, His children! Jesus continued saying; "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands upon them." Mark 10:15-16 I thank the Lord everyday for the church that took five kids under their wings with love and nurtured them by teaching them about Jesus and His Father, showed us His Word and taught us to walk in His ways. Were we good at it? No! Are we still trying? Yes! Will we ever succeed? Succeed is a measure we may never meet here, but God has promised us that the day is coming!
WHEN THE CHURCH began on that day called Pentecost, God had all of us in mind! Many believe that much is wasted on the youth. Depends upon who’s pew you are sitting in. God is faithful and as long as we remain standing on His promises, there is a place for all of us. Keep the fire lit and fan the flames, Jesus is coming again! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/7/14
SOME YEARS back a dear friend from my youth sent me an email. He too liked to wander back into time and remember. His email began; "Dear Junior Church friends from long ago." Believe me when he said long ago he meant it. He was in his early 70's! He goes on with the following; "We use to sing songs from the small "Victory" spiral song book. Iona Kay, or sometimes her mother would accompany us on the piano. Bashful Jane Ann would sometimes lead our song service. We were taught at that young tender age by our talented minister and his wife on how to lead songs properly. What a Bible and Christian education we had. We use to have Bible quiz’s and Bible drills where the first one to find the scripture would stand up and read it. What fun to be the first one to find it! I still carry my Bible most every Sunday and follow most all scripture readings. I do not have to be told how to find them. This also reminds me of Junior High; High School; Friday night rallies; Sunday night sings, especially the Compton Sings; the Mid winter and Spring conferences; and summer camps."
I HAVE to agree with Wayne, that our youth was an amazing time! Not quite the same today! To many choices out there for kids, teenagers and young adults. Because our world says so many things are okay, even though they are contrary to God’s Word, trouble becomes second nature to them. If it is not against the law, then it must be okay! If others don’t turn their noses up regarding these abominations, as they are called in God’s Word, then it must be okay, because our culture has changed.
MY HEART aches for our youth that are searching for answers and find them in all the wrong places. Churches are more and more dropping the idea of having Sunday School that teaches our young people about God, His Son and how to live for Him. Instead they offer things that don’t include babies; toddlers, pre-Schoolers, primary age and so on. The seekers are the ones we must teach so that they can teach. "And they were bringing children to Him, that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it He was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God." Mark 10:13-14
GOD CALLS young and old, His children! Jesus continued saying; "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands upon them." Mark 10:15-16 I thank the Lord everyday for the church that took five kids under their wings with love and nurtured them by teaching them about Jesus and His Father, showed us His Word and taught us to walk in His ways. Were we good at it? No! Are we still trying? Yes! Will we ever succeed? Succeed is a measure we may never meet here, but God has promised us that the day is coming!
WHEN THE CHURCH began on that day called Pentecost, God had all of us in mind! Many believe that much is wasted on the youth. Depends upon who’s pew you are sitting in. God is faithful and as long as we remain standing on His promises, there is a place for all of us. Keep the fire lit and fan the flames, Jesus is coming again! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/7/14
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