WITH THE busyness of the Christmas Holiday put away and all the wrappings being prepared for storage, we can sit back and reflect on what brought about this celebration in the first place. When God’s angels appeared to the shepherds, one of the things they said was; "PEACE among men in whom I am well pleased!" God’s message was not for the world when He said PEACE, He was speaking to those in whom He had found and will find favor in. I believe that is His CHURCH!
I’VE HEARD the expression "Peace on purpose!" When God gave us choice, He elevated mankind to a higher level than the animals. Although many of the human species think and act like animals, they chose their disruptive powers and evil ways, on purpose. To those who decide to live peaceably and to decide to become a peacemaker for God, is like being placed above the clouds, where they can look down into sunshine.
"ON THE day, when evening had come, He said to them; "Let us go across to the other side." Mark 4:35 We are familiar with this story on how Jesus took a nap in the bottom of the boat and a great storm, of hurricane proportion, arose and beat upon the craft, scaring the Apostles because they new they would die. They woke Jesus up and said; "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Mark 4:38b
JESUS got up from His well deserved nap and calmed the storm with words of power; "Peace, be still!" Mark 4:39b Often times we just read the rest of the story and then go on. However, in chapter 5 is where we find the end of that story; "They came to the other side of the sea." Mark 5:1a They weathered the storm with the help of the Master! They came thru with flying colors! They were able to dust themselves off and start all over again!
STORMS come un-announced and invade our feeling of contentment and peace. Sometimes we can see them coming, and no matter how we prepare, they still come and wreck havoc. "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it!" Psalms 34:14 We can walk through every storm because with God, we never walk alone. Always look for a blessing, when the storms come and the peace, that will come, will keep you calm.
MANY TIMES we want to make war with ourselves. We want to drown in our own tears; we love to tear ourselves apart. But when we think about it and remember; God doesn’t make junk! He created you in His image! WOW! He can take you from where you are and can remold and refine you into becoming the person He has created you to be!
WHATEVER the storm, remember it will pass! If you are mindful and look for the blessings, many things will happen. You will draw closer to God; have more compassion for hurting people; you will become more thankful and filled with appreciation; and you will become stronger in your soul!
I HEARD somewhere that God sends; God promotes, and when you live in Christ, God can cause magnificent growth to remain strong. Remember the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors. He taunted his brothers; they sold him into slavery. He finds a job of importance and lands in jail. From there God promotes him again and he becomes second in command of a very large and important country. Who said; when at first you don’t succeed, try, try again?
WHEN YOU walk with the Lord, choosing to live peaceably, He can take you to the top. To stay there, you must pursue peace. "When you walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey!" What a glorious old song to remind us of Who God is, and why He sent His Son as a babe in a manger. Where would the Church be without it’s Savior; where would I be without Jesus? Choose His peace! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/27/14
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Sunday, December 21, 2014
NO DATES GIVEN! 12/21/14
EVEN IF some very smart person discovered a more realistic date for Jesus' birth, December 25th will always be Christmas. It has become a tradition! However, we know Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger. But nothing is said about snow on the ground! Evidently the date of the birth wasn't important to God, or He would have made it known. Our world is trying its hardest to squeeze Christ out of Christmas, and we need to try all the harder to keep Him in our Christmas celebrations. We should use every opportunity to point to the birth of Christ during our celebrations. That is what St Nicholas was doing with his life when he was discovered wearing his red bishops cape, and delivering gifts in secret.
HE SIMPLY went about in secret, doing good, so others wouldn't be bombarding him for gifts. We so want the glory for what we do, don’t we. But not St Nicholas! I think Christ is more concerned about the attitude of our hearts toward him, than the date on which we focus the celebration. He is not bound by time and space like we are. In our limited sphere we like a date to keep us on track.
"BEHOLD, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished." Luke 18:31 Jesus is talking to the Apostles about the things that He was to endure; in verses 32-33 He clarifies them. He, Jesus, would be handed over by the Jews to the Gentiles to be mocked, treated terribly and spat upon. They would scourge Him, put Him to death and on the third day He would rise again.
NO ONE seems to question that Jesus rose on the 3rd day. No one says that Friday to Sunday morning would only be 1 ½ days after He died. However, the Jews counted each day, therefore, there was Friday, Saturday and then Sunday; three days! He did die on Friday and rose on the third day which was Sunday! Dates and days are important only if we place importance upon them. I am thankful that December 25th was the date that was set for Jesus’ birth; I am thankful that God gave man the ability to figure out the calendar by using the stars and the pattern of the solar system, so that we might understand the seasons and that dates could be set for us to celebrate His birth and His resurrection from the dead; Easter!
I HAVE a few ‘think so’s’ I would like to share with you. In our countries history we find books that have recorded dates, times and seasons so that we will not forget and so that we will know that something happened. We read these recorded informational facts and we believe it because they are facts; it is our history. In the Old Testament, dates, seasons and times were also important. Many times a celebration was scheduled for the 10th day of the seventh month in the 4th year....(I just made up that date) Many times God would set a date to schedule a celebration, a cleansing or a season that He felt was important and didn’t want the people to forget. There was even a time set aside for sacrificing an animal for forgiveness.
IN THE New Testament very few dates were set by God. Why do you think that is? I believe it is because our beliefs in God the Father and His Son, are to be based on faith. The gospel tells us about His birth, death and resurrection, but no dates were given. We have heard about these things, read about them in God’s Word, and have believed by faith! The date is not important! What is important is a date was set for the census; and it was taken.
UNKNOWN to Caesar Augustus, God used him to set a date so that Mary and Joseph could go to Bethlehem to fulfill all prophecy. The census places the birth of Jesus in 4 B.C. However, it is noted that the calendar was in error, for some reason. So what does that mean! It doesn’t matter; the records indicate the census was taken, as the birth of Christ was foretold; the rest is history. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! To celebrate His birth is a great celebration for all man kind.
Hallelujah, "It’s a boy!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw (12/19/08)
HE SIMPLY went about in secret, doing good, so others wouldn't be bombarding him for gifts. We so want the glory for what we do, don’t we. But not St Nicholas! I think Christ is more concerned about the attitude of our hearts toward him, than the date on which we focus the celebration. He is not bound by time and space like we are. In our limited sphere we like a date to keep us on track.
"BEHOLD, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished." Luke 18:31 Jesus is talking to the Apostles about the things that He was to endure; in verses 32-33 He clarifies them. He, Jesus, would be handed over by the Jews to the Gentiles to be mocked, treated terribly and spat upon. They would scourge Him, put Him to death and on the third day He would rise again.
NO ONE seems to question that Jesus rose on the 3rd day. No one says that Friday to Sunday morning would only be 1 ½ days after He died. However, the Jews counted each day, therefore, there was Friday, Saturday and then Sunday; three days! He did die on Friday and rose on the third day which was Sunday! Dates and days are important only if we place importance upon them. I am thankful that December 25th was the date that was set for Jesus’ birth; I am thankful that God gave man the ability to figure out the calendar by using the stars and the pattern of the solar system, so that we might understand the seasons and that dates could be set for us to celebrate His birth and His resurrection from the dead; Easter!
I HAVE a few ‘think so’s’ I would like to share with you. In our countries history we find books that have recorded dates, times and seasons so that we will not forget and so that we will know that something happened. We read these recorded informational facts and we believe it because they are facts; it is our history. In the Old Testament, dates, seasons and times were also important. Many times a celebration was scheduled for the 10th day of the seventh month in the 4th year....(I just made up that date) Many times God would set a date to schedule a celebration, a cleansing or a season that He felt was important and didn’t want the people to forget. There was even a time set aside for sacrificing an animal for forgiveness.
IN THE New Testament very few dates were set by God. Why do you think that is? I believe it is because our beliefs in God the Father and His Son, are to be based on faith. The gospel tells us about His birth, death and resurrection, but no dates were given. We have heard about these things, read about them in God’s Word, and have believed by faith! The date is not important! What is important is a date was set for the census; and it was taken.
UNKNOWN to Caesar Augustus, God used him to set a date so that Mary and Joseph could go to Bethlehem to fulfill all prophecy. The census places the birth of Jesus in 4 B.C. However, it is noted that the calendar was in error, for some reason. So what does that mean! It doesn’t matter; the records indicate the census was taken, as the birth of Christ was foretold; the rest is history. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! To celebrate His birth is a great celebration for all man kind.
Hallelujah, "It’s a boy!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw (12/19/08)
Saturday, December 13, 2014
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES! 12/14/14
DID YOU KNOW that the origin of Santa Claus began in the 4th century with St. Nicholas, Bishop of Nyra; an area in our present day, Turkey? He was a generous man devoted to children. Later he became the patron saint of Russia. In 1822 Clement C. Moore gave us "The night before Christmas" where he gave our present day idea of Santa Claus. Somewhere in the early 1900's the Coke a Cola bottling company gave us an image that we see today.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE had its start in Germany and went to England via Prince Albert. The tree didn’t appear in America until the late 19th century; and still had its flavor of Germany. Although I love the decorated Christmas trees that we have in our homes today, they really have no place in the Christmas story. However, did you know that the Christmas trees are useful in removing dust and pollen from the air. Who would have thought!
I WAS SURPRISED when I looked into the Christmas cards. Cards were originally used to teach writing. At Christmas the kids were encouraged to make cards with prose on them. It caught on and many would send out their own cards. Until around 1843 Sir Henry of England was too busy to write his own cards so that season the composed Christmas cards came into being. Aren’t you glad that we don’t have to do our cards from start to finish. I am afraid I wouldn’t be sending cards! How about You?
THERE ARE many tid bits on the internet that can fill you in on many "did you knows", regarding Christmas, New Years and the like. However, every home has their own traditions and I find some of them just as fascinating. Betty, a friend of mind was stationed with her husband in Germany. Every Christmas they made cookies and hung them on the tree. People would come to visit and when they came thru the door, they would get to take a cookie off the tree. Before the tree was taken down, it was easy to know who had the most visitors during the season. Those who had no cookies left! It must have been sad for those who had lots of cookies still on the tree.
WHEN I was growing up I remember there were no presents under the tree until Christmas morning. I couldn’t peek and count how many were for me, like Jim did. Never could find anything hidden. We weren’t allowed in Mom’s bedroom. But I have heard how she would spend many a night fixing, repairing, painting and sewing getting ready for her family. We didn’t get a lot of presents, but on Christmas morning there would be gifts scattered all around the tree clear, into the middle of the room and beyond. Growing up in a large family had it’s minuses, but still many pluses.
I DON"T REMEMBER ever not knowing, that Christmas was a celebration of the birth of Jesus. I don’t remember thinking much about Santa Claus until I had my own family. I don’t remember having a bad Christmas experience. I was the 10th child out of 14 and our Christmas mornings were full of expectations.
"FOR TO US a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 This passage is one of my favorite Christmas announcements. These names for Jesus are only a few; there are more. "God; the Almighty; the bread of life; good shepherd; Lord of glory; Son of David; King of kings and the Lamb!" He came as a child so he could grow up among His people and show them the father. He had to become like us so that we could become like Him! Only God could come up with a plan like this and for me, it is working! He is my Lord and Savior! He says to the world; "Come unto me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest!"
That’s my Lord and Master! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/13/14
THE CHRISTMAS TREE had its start in Germany and went to England via Prince Albert. The tree didn’t appear in America until the late 19th century; and still had its flavor of Germany. Although I love the decorated Christmas trees that we have in our homes today, they really have no place in the Christmas story. However, did you know that the Christmas trees are useful in removing dust and pollen from the air. Who would have thought!
I WAS SURPRISED when I looked into the Christmas cards. Cards were originally used to teach writing. At Christmas the kids were encouraged to make cards with prose on them. It caught on and many would send out their own cards. Until around 1843 Sir Henry of England was too busy to write his own cards so that season the composed Christmas cards came into being. Aren’t you glad that we don’t have to do our cards from start to finish. I am afraid I wouldn’t be sending cards! How about You?
THERE ARE many tid bits on the internet that can fill you in on many "did you knows", regarding Christmas, New Years and the like. However, every home has their own traditions and I find some of them just as fascinating. Betty, a friend of mind was stationed with her husband in Germany. Every Christmas they made cookies and hung them on the tree. People would come to visit and when they came thru the door, they would get to take a cookie off the tree. Before the tree was taken down, it was easy to know who had the most visitors during the season. Those who had no cookies left! It must have been sad for those who had lots of cookies still on the tree.
WHEN I was growing up I remember there were no presents under the tree until Christmas morning. I couldn’t peek and count how many were for me, like Jim did. Never could find anything hidden. We weren’t allowed in Mom’s bedroom. But I have heard how she would spend many a night fixing, repairing, painting and sewing getting ready for her family. We didn’t get a lot of presents, but on Christmas morning there would be gifts scattered all around the tree clear, into the middle of the room and beyond. Growing up in a large family had it’s minuses, but still many pluses.
I DON"T REMEMBER ever not knowing, that Christmas was a celebration of the birth of Jesus. I don’t remember thinking much about Santa Claus until I had my own family. I don’t remember having a bad Christmas experience. I was the 10th child out of 14 and our Christmas mornings were full of expectations.
"FOR TO US a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 This passage is one of my favorite Christmas announcements. These names for Jesus are only a few; there are more. "God; the Almighty; the bread of life; good shepherd; Lord of glory; Son of David; King of kings and the Lamb!" He came as a child so he could grow up among His people and show them the father. He had to become like us so that we could become like Him! Only God could come up with a plan like this and for me, it is working! He is my Lord and Savior! He says to the world; "Come unto me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest!"
That’s my Lord and Master! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/13/14
Sunday, December 7, 2014
WAITING IN LINE! 12/7/14
WHAT IS so fast about waiting in line? Most fast food chains have a line of cars waiting to move forward to place an order. If you go inside you may find yourself in a line waiting to place your order. The only difference between fast foods and a sit down restaurant is you get waited on to order in the latter, while in the others you can sit or stand, but in any case you wait! I hate waiting and I guess that can tell you what kind of patience I have.
HOW ABOUT YOU? Is waiting, or patience, your long suit or does it show up your short comings? Waiting is the name of the game! We wait to visit the Doctor; we wait after an engagement to get married; we wait at least nine months for the child to be born; and we wait until they grow up so we can get some rest. We wait until dawn to begin a new day and we wait for the sun set so we end our day with sleep. We are always waiting for someone or something, and we wait for the second coming of Jesus!
HOW MANY of you are recognizing the different values of the Christmas season by following the days of Advent. We are doing it at our church and I am leading a Ladies Bible Study that is featuring the Advent. I even receive emails daily thru the month of December, all talking about the Advent of Jesus Christ.
IT DOESN’T matter how you follow the Advent, or that they are all the same. Our church began with HOPE, Jesus is the light of the world. The Ladies Bible Study begins with WAIT. The Israelites waited for the Messiah and when He came they didn’t even recognize Him. Today our hope is in Jesus Christ and we wait for His return!
FOLLOWING the days of Advent helps us to keep our focus on Jesus Christ. I know that the glitz and glitter of this season is something to behold. It attacks our eyes, what we are seeing; it attacks our noses; of the smells that surround us. It attacks our tastes buds and we can’t wait to taste the familiar flavors of Christmas mixed in with the new. The stores are all lit up calling my name; "Jane Ann come shop here, we have what you are looking for!"
BUT WITH all the sounds, the smells, the colors and tissue paper, those who follow Him are called by His name; Christian! We need to be reminded of who we are when we get so caught up in what the world is offering at this time of the year. I love the idea of Santa Claus; I love the giving and the receiving of gifts. I love decorating my home and putting up a tree. I specially like a fresh, flocked tree and even though my children and my grandchildren are grown, I like the secular walk in the park kind of celebration, but I love the mystery of the spiritual aspect of Christmas .
MAKE NO MISTAKE, I know the difference. I know whom my redeemer is and that He is alive! I know who I have chosen to follow and I know that He came as a child and was born in Bethlehem. I know that He grew up and as a man began a ministry that turned the world upside down. "But they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 While we wait for the Lords return, perhaps we should be (waiting on) serving Him!
MANY YEARS before the birth of Jesus, the Old Testament prophets were writing and talking about waiting for one who would be like a light in the darkness. Those to whom they spoke, were weary with impatience. They wanted the Messiah now! They yearned for God to be on their clock. Years added to more years, but through the events of history, through priests and poets, God said; "WAIT!" However, it is how one waits that matters. Advent does not give us permission to rush to the manger; it says "WAIT!" May God bless you during this season! Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/6/14
HOW ABOUT YOU? Is waiting, or patience, your long suit or does it show up your short comings? Waiting is the name of the game! We wait to visit the Doctor; we wait after an engagement to get married; we wait at least nine months for the child to be born; and we wait until they grow up so we can get some rest. We wait until dawn to begin a new day and we wait for the sun set so we end our day with sleep. We are always waiting for someone or something, and we wait for the second coming of Jesus!
HOW MANY of you are recognizing the different values of the Christmas season by following the days of Advent. We are doing it at our church and I am leading a Ladies Bible Study that is featuring the Advent. I even receive emails daily thru the month of December, all talking about the Advent of Jesus Christ.
IT DOESN’T matter how you follow the Advent, or that they are all the same. Our church began with HOPE, Jesus is the light of the world. The Ladies Bible Study begins with WAIT. The Israelites waited for the Messiah and when He came they didn’t even recognize Him. Today our hope is in Jesus Christ and we wait for His return!
FOLLOWING the days of Advent helps us to keep our focus on Jesus Christ. I know that the glitz and glitter of this season is something to behold. It attacks our eyes, what we are seeing; it attacks our noses; of the smells that surround us. It attacks our tastes buds and we can’t wait to taste the familiar flavors of Christmas mixed in with the new. The stores are all lit up calling my name; "Jane Ann come shop here, we have what you are looking for!"
BUT WITH all the sounds, the smells, the colors and tissue paper, those who follow Him are called by His name; Christian! We need to be reminded of who we are when we get so caught up in what the world is offering at this time of the year. I love the idea of Santa Claus; I love the giving and the receiving of gifts. I love decorating my home and putting up a tree. I specially like a fresh, flocked tree and even though my children and my grandchildren are grown, I like the secular walk in the park kind of celebration, but I love the mystery of the spiritual aspect of Christmas .
MAKE NO MISTAKE, I know the difference. I know whom my redeemer is and that He is alive! I know who I have chosen to follow and I know that He came as a child and was born in Bethlehem. I know that He grew up and as a man began a ministry that turned the world upside down. "But they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 While we wait for the Lords return, perhaps we should be (waiting on) serving Him!
MANY YEARS before the birth of Jesus, the Old Testament prophets were writing and talking about waiting for one who would be like a light in the darkness. Those to whom they spoke, were weary with impatience. They wanted the Messiah now! They yearned for God to be on their clock. Years added to more years, but through the events of history, through priests and poets, God said; "WAIT!" However, it is how one waits that matters. Advent does not give us permission to rush to the manger; it says "WAIT!" May God bless you during this season! Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/6/14
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