“GABRIEL SAID; do not be afraid!” It is easy for Gabriel to say; “do not be afraid;” but another thing for Mary to not be afraid. But when the Angel Gabriel said; “Mary, you have found favor with God;” Oh my! God revealed to her the truth of the situation, because she finally finds her voice and says; “How shall this be, since I have not known a man; I have no husband?” The scriptures do not indicate her being agitated or even perplexed when she said this.
LET’S THINK about this. Young girl; alone; her thoughts interrupted by a person she had never seen before, let alone could have imagined. He tells her things and after being frightened, she calms down and is able to speak to this stranger with complete control. God chose wisely didn’t he? God chose her and didn’t leave her out on a limb to handle this situation alone. You can read this story in Luke chapter 1 beginning with the 26th verse. Amazing story about a young girl and her God!
“THEN MARY said, Let me be the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said; and the angel left her.” With Mary’s mind whirling around with what just happened and with what she must do, she makes arrangements to visit her relative Elizabeth who was also pregnant with special circumstances. While visiting Elizabeth and discussing both their conditions, Mary becomes filled with the Holy Ghost and sings a song.
“AND MARY says, My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for He has looked upon the low station and humiliation of His handmaiden. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed and declare me happy and to be envied! For He who is almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name, to be venerated in His purity , majesty and glory! And His mercy, His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation and age to age. He has shown strength and made might with His arm; He has scattered the proud and haughty in and by the imagination and purpose and designs of their hearts; He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree. He has filled and satisfied the hungry with good things and the rich He has sent away empty handed without a gift. He has laid hold on His servant Israel (to help Him) in remembrance of His mercy. Even as He promised to our forefathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Luke 1:46-55 You can tell by Mary’s song that the Holy Spirit was giving her these words so that we could read them again and again through the ages.
EVERY woman experiences her own pregnancy. Some have morning sickness and keeps it under control eating crackers. Some go to the hospital and some are given bed rest somewhere along the way. For me, I just got bigger and bigger until I looked like one of the balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade. Just before I was fully done and ready to deliver, if you had stuck a pin in the bottom of my foot, I would have floated off into the heavens. But that didn’t happen! Instead I gave birth to a baby boy. The second time around I gave birth to a baby girl! God’s plan is amazing!
LOOKING BACK pregnancy was a great adventure, because the outcome, out weighs all of the suffering. Mary saw that and those of us who became mothers by giving birth, know that. Mary is indeed blessed of all women because the child she gave birth to, came to save us. He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly!
I LOVE THIS STORY and never tire of reading it and hearing it. A story of love, adventure, mystery and it comes to life within you the minute you believe “that Jesus is the son of God!” I can imagine Mary holding her newborn child against her breast as He looks intently into her face; memorizing it, loving it just as she is whispering, ever so softly; “you are my son;” and all the while God smiles from the heavens and says; “yes, I chose wisely!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/8/12
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
WHAT'S BEHIND DOOR'S #1, 2 OR 3? 12/2/12
AS FAR as I am concerned doors are a good thing. I like having doors on the rooms in my home. I like being able to close a door and be in a room by myself. I like opening the front door to welcome guests into my home and being able to close it when they leave. It is fashionable now days, to not have a door on your bathroom. But then I have never considered myself to be fashionable.
IN THE 60's, my sister-in-law Eleanor went dressed in costume, in hopes she would be chosen to be one of the contestants on “The Price is Right” with Monty Hall. I never did get to see the show but she was chosen and she was asked all the questions and was willing to give up what she won for what was behind curtains #1, #2 or #3. I don’t remember which one she chose but she was thrilled with what she won. A 16ft speed boat! She loved to fish and in her mind this boat was going to take her out fishing. And it did, for a time!
HAVE YOU ever wondered what was on the other side of the door? Have you ever cautiously opened a door, not knowing what would be on the other side? Were you relieved, puzzled or even frightened? Sometimes we use the word door as a metaphor; transferring its meaning to infer a different directional sense. For instance Jesus said; ”Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” John 10:7 In other words Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the door!
IN MY life time I have seen and heard about many doors. I visited a very large church in Los Angeles that was called “The Church of the Open Door!” It wasn’t until I was much older did I understand that it wasn’t just opened on Saturday nights for everyone to come and hear great Christian artists, but it was talking about Jesus.
MARIJUANA is a door to drugs. Hard work is a door to satisfaction. A good cook is a door to good eats. Perseverance is a door to success. Alcohol is a door to a life of sadness and a bad liver. Thievery is a door to deceit and a room behind bars. Going the way of the world is a door to destruction. Paul says the church is a door to declare the mystery of Christ. Many use facebook on their computers, as a door to vent their frustrations and misguided ideas.
AS JESUS went about teaching, he was asked; “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” Jesus answered and said; “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13:23-24 Another time Jesus said; “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.” Matthew 7:21 The world offers big doors with big promises but as you look back over your choices those promises were full of deceit and calamity.
BEFORE the church began, you and I would have been considered gentiles. We would have been considered heathens; idol worshipers. Paul was a Jew who had been sent to the Gentiles. He returned to Antioch; “And when they arrived, they gathered the church together and declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” Acts 14:27 That door has been opened to us! A door of faith! A door that leads to Jesus Christ!
WE HAVE choices! Sometimes we make good ones and sometimes bad ones. Recently I have been looking at forgiveness. I have discovered that life is so much better when I choose to forgive! God said that we must forgive, if we expect Him to forgive us. Those are not just words, they are a door unto salvation. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men, your Father will not forgive you.” Matthew 6:14-15
I AM THE DOOR; if any one enters by me, He will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 I choose the door that is Jesus Christ! I choose to forgive! Is this path, easy? Can I stay on track? I don’t have to guess which door to choose because Jesus said; “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except by me!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/1/12
IN THE 60's, my sister-in-law Eleanor went dressed in costume, in hopes she would be chosen to be one of the contestants on “The Price is Right” with Monty Hall. I never did get to see the show but she was chosen and she was asked all the questions and was willing to give up what she won for what was behind curtains #1, #2 or #3. I don’t remember which one she chose but she was thrilled with what she won. A 16ft speed boat! She loved to fish and in her mind this boat was going to take her out fishing. And it did, for a time!
HAVE YOU ever wondered what was on the other side of the door? Have you ever cautiously opened a door, not knowing what would be on the other side? Were you relieved, puzzled or even frightened? Sometimes we use the word door as a metaphor; transferring its meaning to infer a different directional sense. For instance Jesus said; ”Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” John 10:7 In other words Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the door!
IN MY life time I have seen and heard about many doors. I visited a very large church in Los Angeles that was called “The Church of the Open Door!” It wasn’t until I was much older did I understand that it wasn’t just opened on Saturday nights for everyone to come and hear great Christian artists, but it was talking about Jesus.
MARIJUANA is a door to drugs. Hard work is a door to satisfaction. A good cook is a door to good eats. Perseverance is a door to success. Alcohol is a door to a life of sadness and a bad liver. Thievery is a door to deceit and a room behind bars. Going the way of the world is a door to destruction. Paul says the church is a door to declare the mystery of Christ. Many use facebook on their computers, as a door to vent their frustrations and misguided ideas.
AS JESUS went about teaching, he was asked; “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” Jesus answered and said; “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13:23-24 Another time Jesus said; “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.” Matthew 7:21 The world offers big doors with big promises but as you look back over your choices those promises were full of deceit and calamity.
BEFORE the church began, you and I would have been considered gentiles. We would have been considered heathens; idol worshipers. Paul was a Jew who had been sent to the Gentiles. He returned to Antioch; “And when they arrived, they gathered the church together and declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” Acts 14:27 That door has been opened to us! A door of faith! A door that leads to Jesus Christ!
WE HAVE choices! Sometimes we make good ones and sometimes bad ones. Recently I have been looking at forgiveness. I have discovered that life is so much better when I choose to forgive! God said that we must forgive, if we expect Him to forgive us. Those are not just words, they are a door unto salvation. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men, your Father will not forgive you.” Matthew 6:14-15
I AM THE DOOR; if any one enters by me, He will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 I choose the door that is Jesus Christ! I choose to forgive! Is this path, easy? Can I stay on track? I don’t have to guess which door to choose because Jesus said; “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except by me!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/1/12
Sunday, November 25, 2012
WHEN THE WINDY CAME (2) 11/25/12
THIS PAST WEEK we experienced the wind for several days. It wasn’t just passing through, it came and stayed! I was sitting in my bedroom looking out at the wind when all of a sudden the chairs on the deck began to re-arrange themselves. The tree was swaying from side to side and it began to rain which was being pelted against the french doors. I just sat there amazed at the turmoil that was being generated by the wind, while I sat inside feeling the warmth and comfort of my home. Later on I was told that the wind was throughout all of Oregon, along with the rain. Lots of problems, including flooding was experienced by many.
LISTENING to the wind howling, I was reminded of another time when we took the three grandsons along with Jennifer for a bike ride. This particular bike path ran along Bear Creek and the sides of the path were filled with many trees and ground foliage. Not long after we got onto the path we noticed the sky becoming dark and the wind began to russell in the trees. Jennifer and Adam went on ahead just as the wind began to pick up! The rest of us had not gone far when the wind turned into a fierce gale with branches falling all around us and we were unable to steady our bikes. Up ahead we could see that Adam and Jennifer were peddling back as fast as they could peddle. Later on, after we had managed to get back to the truck. reloaded the bikes in the back, and us inside the cab, Jordan, with excitement and wonder began to recount the story. He said; “And then the windy came!”
WE CAN’T SEE the wind but we can see the evidence of the wind and all the while, we can feel it. No one can deny when the wind comes. In God’s Word, Jesus says; “The wind comes from where it is and you feel it, but you do not know how it comes and from where. Neither do you hear the sound of it, but you feel it.” This is found in John 3:8! The last part of the verse Jesus says; “So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
DO YOU KNOW what Jesus is saying? He had been talking to Nicodemus about being born again! Jesus said that we must be born of the spirit. Being born of the flesh was not enough! Jesus was likening the wind around us, to the Spirit within us. You can’t see it, touch it, or smell it but you can see the evidence of it; you can feel the presence of it; and you can experience the results of it. I have been studying about the Spirit, His gifts he gives, and the fruit He brought with Him. We receive the spirit as a gift upon baptism. I know that many believe that baptism is an outward expression of an inward conviction. With it, we also receive forgiveness! But without it we do not get the Spirit!
REMEMBER the story in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus was asleep while the Apostles were experiencing a fierce wind. They were afraid! They woke Jesus up and said; “Master, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus said to the wind and the sea; “Hush, peace, be still!” The winds and the waves immediately were calm and then Jesus said; “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have so little faith! They became even more afraid and said to one another; “Who is this that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
WE HAVE AN Applebee’s that is located on a little knoll. It is always windy there. When we get out of the car we are greeted with a breeze no matter what time or season is upon us. When we walk out of the door we are greeted with gusts of wind, again it doesn’t matter whether the sun is shining or cloudy and gray, there is always some wind. I never cease to wonder why that is!
THE GIFT of the Holy Spirit, we receive upon baptism, is always with us! He convicts us of our sins. This Spirit helps us to see our need for Jesus! We need to follow His commands and become one of those who the Holy Spirit teaches to walk in faith. The Spirit shares His fruit with us. “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 Unless we clothe ourselves in these attributes, our lives are like blowing in the wind. We run for cover and look for shelter, but all we need to do, is take refuge in the arms of the one who came and said; “come unto me? The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/24/12
LISTENING to the wind howling, I was reminded of another time when we took the three grandsons along with Jennifer for a bike ride. This particular bike path ran along Bear Creek and the sides of the path were filled with many trees and ground foliage. Not long after we got onto the path we noticed the sky becoming dark and the wind began to russell in the trees. Jennifer and Adam went on ahead just as the wind began to pick up! The rest of us had not gone far when the wind turned into a fierce gale with branches falling all around us and we were unable to steady our bikes. Up ahead we could see that Adam and Jennifer were peddling back as fast as they could peddle. Later on, after we had managed to get back to the truck. reloaded the bikes in the back, and us inside the cab, Jordan, with excitement and wonder began to recount the story. He said; “And then the windy came!”
WE CAN’T SEE the wind but we can see the evidence of the wind and all the while, we can feel it. No one can deny when the wind comes. In God’s Word, Jesus says; “The wind comes from where it is and you feel it, but you do not know how it comes and from where. Neither do you hear the sound of it, but you feel it.” This is found in John 3:8! The last part of the verse Jesus says; “So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
DO YOU KNOW what Jesus is saying? He had been talking to Nicodemus about being born again! Jesus said that we must be born of the spirit. Being born of the flesh was not enough! Jesus was likening the wind around us, to the Spirit within us. You can’t see it, touch it, or smell it but you can see the evidence of it; you can feel the presence of it; and you can experience the results of it. I have been studying about the Spirit, His gifts he gives, and the fruit He brought with Him. We receive the spirit as a gift upon baptism. I know that many believe that baptism is an outward expression of an inward conviction. With it, we also receive forgiveness! But without it we do not get the Spirit!
REMEMBER the story in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus was asleep while the Apostles were experiencing a fierce wind. They were afraid! They woke Jesus up and said; “Master, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus said to the wind and the sea; “Hush, peace, be still!” The winds and the waves immediately were calm and then Jesus said; “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have so little faith! They became even more afraid and said to one another; “Who is this that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
WE HAVE AN Applebee’s that is located on a little knoll. It is always windy there. When we get out of the car we are greeted with a breeze no matter what time or season is upon us. When we walk out of the door we are greeted with gusts of wind, again it doesn’t matter whether the sun is shining or cloudy and gray, there is always some wind. I never cease to wonder why that is!
THE GIFT of the Holy Spirit, we receive upon baptism, is always with us! He convicts us of our sins. This Spirit helps us to see our need for Jesus! We need to follow His commands and become one of those who the Holy Spirit teaches to walk in faith. The Spirit shares His fruit with us. “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 Unless we clothe ourselves in these attributes, our lives are like blowing in the wind. We run for cover and look for shelter, but all we need to do, is take refuge in the arms of the one who came and said; “come unto me? The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/24/12
Saturday, November 17, 2012
THANKSGIVING FIRSTS! 11/18/12
DO YOU ever wonder about the very first thanksgiving that was experienced by the pilgrims and their new best friends, the Indians? I know what I have read in history books! I am aware of how the new thinkers are wanting to change history to suit themselves! However, the very first thanksgiving had to be full of many firsts. The first large gathering of people full of excitement because of their great crops that year. The first gathering of foreigners on this new land and those who felt this land was theirs alone. The first time these people came together in unity and began to share in thanking God. Wow! Not to mention the first, of eating new kinds of food! Perhaps popcorn; or so I’ve heard!
I WAS almost 24 when Jim and I married in January. As the year moved on we began to approach our first thanksgiving as a married couple. My family gatherings were always large because there were so many. We had just moved into our first home and I was going to be making my first pies! Growing up I baked cakes, Joyce did pies.....I was excited and Clarence, my brother-in-law, was giving me pointers and even came out to taste my crust. I even made a cris-cross crust on top of one. Clancy took a bite of the crust and then another small one. He looked up and said; “Add a little butter and this dough would make tasty biscuits.” My spirits were not daunted, because these were my very first and they looked good.
WE LEFT for church as was our custom on Thanksgiving Day, and then on to celebrate at my sister’s home. Later that night as we returned home, Jim and I noticed that all the lights were on and the front door was standing wide open. Our new puppy, Frosty, was sitting behind the screen door whimpering. We wondered who was in our house? We approached the door cautiously. We could hear the TV, and entered even more cautiously. No one was there! Our back door was badly scratched from Frosty’s trying to get out to do her business. Evidence that she couldn’t wait was apparent on the carpet by the front door. Obviously, with all the excitement of the morning surrounding ‘pies’, we forgot to secure our home and care for our baby. Some of the air in our bubble began to leak as we tried to put things back in order. How could we have done that? How could we have neglected our new home and baby in such a manner? When it is all about me, can I so easily get careless?
EXCITEMENT does that to a person! Are you excited when Sunday morning comes? When the church family is planning their big thanksgiving dinner, are you excited? Do you get excited when you know that the church doors will be open? Through the years I have known many who were always there because they didn’t want to miss out on anything either. We still do! One of my most favorite things was to go to the Thanksgiving program at church on Thanksgiving day. But I’ve learned to check the house before I leave!
DAVID’S heart was full of thanksgiving! “That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and declare all Thy wonders!" Psalms 26:7 “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with singing. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods!” Psalms 95:2-3 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name for the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness is to all generations.” Psalms 100:4-5
THE EARLY pilgrims suffered many hardships when they entered the domain of the Indians. Many Conflicts arose among the good and the bad! Those who sought peace were able to find it with those who were also seeking peace. Even today we become anxious and experience heartache when our lives are in turmoil. I wanted a change in government and it didn’t happen. However, God says to not be anxious about anything but in all things give thanksgiving. During this season of thanksgiving, I plan to do just that! I am thankful that our God is faithful and true. I am Thankful that our God will never leave us nor forsake us! Hallelujah, what a Savior! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/15/12
I WAS almost 24 when Jim and I married in January. As the year moved on we began to approach our first thanksgiving as a married couple. My family gatherings were always large because there were so many. We had just moved into our first home and I was going to be making my first pies! Growing up I baked cakes, Joyce did pies.....I was excited and Clarence, my brother-in-law, was giving me pointers and even came out to taste my crust. I even made a cris-cross crust on top of one. Clancy took a bite of the crust and then another small one. He looked up and said; “Add a little butter and this dough would make tasty biscuits.” My spirits were not daunted, because these were my very first and they looked good.
WE LEFT for church as was our custom on Thanksgiving Day, and then on to celebrate at my sister’s home. Later that night as we returned home, Jim and I noticed that all the lights were on and the front door was standing wide open. Our new puppy, Frosty, was sitting behind the screen door whimpering. We wondered who was in our house? We approached the door cautiously. We could hear the TV, and entered even more cautiously. No one was there! Our back door was badly scratched from Frosty’s trying to get out to do her business. Evidence that she couldn’t wait was apparent on the carpet by the front door. Obviously, with all the excitement of the morning surrounding ‘pies’, we forgot to secure our home and care for our baby. Some of the air in our bubble began to leak as we tried to put things back in order. How could we have done that? How could we have neglected our new home and baby in such a manner? When it is all about me, can I so easily get careless?
EXCITEMENT does that to a person! Are you excited when Sunday morning comes? When the church family is planning their big thanksgiving dinner, are you excited? Do you get excited when you know that the church doors will be open? Through the years I have known many who were always there because they didn’t want to miss out on anything either. We still do! One of my most favorite things was to go to the Thanksgiving program at church on Thanksgiving day. But I’ve learned to check the house before I leave!
DAVID’S heart was full of thanksgiving! “That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and declare all Thy wonders!" Psalms 26:7 “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with singing. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods!” Psalms 95:2-3 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name for the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness is to all generations.” Psalms 100:4-5
THE EARLY pilgrims suffered many hardships when they entered the domain of the Indians. Many Conflicts arose among the good and the bad! Those who sought peace were able to find it with those who were also seeking peace. Even today we become anxious and experience heartache when our lives are in turmoil. I wanted a change in government and it didn’t happen. However, God says to not be anxious about anything but in all things give thanksgiving. During this season of thanksgiving, I plan to do just that! I am thankful that our God is faithful and true. I am Thankful that our God will never leave us nor forsake us! Hallelujah, what a Savior! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/15/12
Saturday, October 27, 2012
THE ELEVENTH HOUR! 10/28/12
BECAUSE THIS IS AN ELECTION YEAR, and this week is coming down to the wire as to who I should vote for, some would call this ‘the eleventh hour!’ In Oregon we vote by mail! Actually, I have already voted and placed my ballot in the red, white and blue voting box in the back of the Government Center building. We usually vote as soon as we receive the ballot. My minds made up, get it done and all is well; because we vote for character and morality and let God take care of the rest.
WHEN I THOUGHT about the eleventh hour I decided I should do my home work. In the book called “Why You Say It” by Webb Garrison, I found what I needed to know and now I would like to share that with you. The Babylonians, the Greeks and the Hebrews adopted the use of the sundials whose face were in twelve segments. Hours were counted from daylight to dusk which meant darkness around the number twelve..
WESTERN civilization modified the timekeeping so that 12:00 came to mark both noon and midnight. That means the sun is hardly halfway across the heavens at 11:00 am and has disappeared by that hour at 11:00 pm. When I was in highschool, one of my favorite memories is of the sundial we had at the front right of the main building that faced a busy street. I never could figure out how to read it but I would go and look at the face many, many times. I always thought of it as being huge, but in reality it is smaller than I am, because when I stood in front of it, I had to look down; just a little bit.
A NEW TESTAMENT parable found in Matthew 20:1-16 tells about the man who went out to hire some laborers early in the morning. The day began at 6:00 am, he returned at 9:00 am, 12:00 noon, 3:00 pm, and at 5:00 pm which left one hour to work; the eleventh hour! They all worked in the vineyard until quitting time. He then called all the laborers in and beginning with those he hired last, up to the first hirelings, he paid them their wages. He paid them all the same wage, regardless of what hour they began to work. The first group complained; “they had worked longer than those he hired last, yet they had been paid the same as they were!”
OF COURSE this story is related to the fact that God’s grace is the same for all who respond to His call regardless of good deeds.. The length of years of service to the Lord, does not insure more blessings in heaven than the sinner who turns to God in faith at the eleventh hour. I suppose getting paid money is something to question, but aren’t you glad that God doesn’t look at salvation in the same way?
THIS PARABLE is such that we still borrow from it. “And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing and he said to them; “Why do you stand here, idle all day?” They said to him; “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them; “You go into the vineyard too.” Matthew 20:6-7 Despite the position of the sun at the time, we continue to say that the eleventh hour is the last possible time to make a decision or to take action.
LEAVING IMPORTANT decisions or taking important actions at the eleventh hour, can be dangerous. Whether voting, applying for a job, getting a good seat at a large gathering, clocking in at your start time or even clocking out so you are paid appropriately are important. How many times have you missed out because you were too late? I am sure you get the point! Leaving things to the last minute means you could be late for dinner!
LEAVING your decision or taking needed action when it comes to the Lord is also dangerous. Remember the parable of the ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom? Five were ready and five were not! When the bridegroom had come, the five that were prepared to go into meet him, did! But the other five had to go and get more oil. They tried to borrow, even though there would not be sufficient oil for all. When the five returned the door was closed. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour!”
Matthew 25:13 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/27/12
WHEN I THOUGHT about the eleventh hour I decided I should do my home work. In the book called “Why You Say It” by Webb Garrison, I found what I needed to know and now I would like to share that with you. The Babylonians, the Greeks and the Hebrews adopted the use of the sundials whose face were in twelve segments. Hours were counted from daylight to dusk which meant darkness around the number twelve..
WESTERN civilization modified the timekeeping so that 12:00 came to mark both noon and midnight. That means the sun is hardly halfway across the heavens at 11:00 am and has disappeared by that hour at 11:00 pm. When I was in highschool, one of my favorite memories is of the sundial we had at the front right of the main building that faced a busy street. I never could figure out how to read it but I would go and look at the face many, many times. I always thought of it as being huge, but in reality it is smaller than I am, because when I stood in front of it, I had to look down; just a little bit.
A NEW TESTAMENT parable found in Matthew 20:1-16 tells about the man who went out to hire some laborers early in the morning. The day began at 6:00 am, he returned at 9:00 am, 12:00 noon, 3:00 pm, and at 5:00 pm which left one hour to work; the eleventh hour! They all worked in the vineyard until quitting time. He then called all the laborers in and beginning with those he hired last, up to the first hirelings, he paid them their wages. He paid them all the same wage, regardless of what hour they began to work. The first group complained; “they had worked longer than those he hired last, yet they had been paid the same as they were!”
OF COURSE this story is related to the fact that God’s grace is the same for all who respond to His call regardless of good deeds.. The length of years of service to the Lord, does not insure more blessings in heaven than the sinner who turns to God in faith at the eleventh hour. I suppose getting paid money is something to question, but aren’t you glad that God doesn’t look at salvation in the same way?
THIS PARABLE is such that we still borrow from it. “And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing and he said to them; “Why do you stand here, idle all day?” They said to him; “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them; “You go into the vineyard too.” Matthew 20:6-7 Despite the position of the sun at the time, we continue to say that the eleventh hour is the last possible time to make a decision or to take action.
LEAVING IMPORTANT decisions or taking important actions at the eleventh hour, can be dangerous. Whether voting, applying for a job, getting a good seat at a large gathering, clocking in at your start time or even clocking out so you are paid appropriately are important. How many times have you missed out because you were too late? I am sure you get the point! Leaving things to the last minute means you could be late for dinner!
LEAVING your decision or taking needed action when it comes to the Lord is also dangerous. Remember the parable of the ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom? Five were ready and five were not! When the bridegroom had come, the five that were prepared to go into meet him, did! But the other five had to go and get more oil. They tried to borrow, even though there would not be sufficient oil for all. When the five returned the door was closed. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour!”
Matthew 25:13 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/27/12
Sunday, October 21, 2012
WHAT'S IN A NAME? 10/21/12
WHEN I WAS IN HIGHSCHOOL most of the jocks called each other by their last names. However, the girls always called them and each other, by their first names or by their ‘nicknames’! When Jim and I began our family, I had a book of names. I made a list of the names I liked and then Jim chose the names we used. Names are important! Names become the main identification link in our person. Our features, our stature and even our personalities can link us to our family but our name sets us apart within our family, our community and even within the kingdom of God!
GROWING up, most of my family called me Janie. I tried just Jane but never measured up to the movie stars who were called just ‘Jane!’ When I introduced myself to others, I always said; “my name is Jane Ann!” I remember telling Jim that my mother had always told me that when a man calls his girlfriend or his wife by anything other than her name it is because he couldn’t remember it. Jim always calls me “Jane Ann!” I always call him; “Jim!” Now Jim is a nickname for James! But he doesn’t look like a James, however, to his family he looks like his middle name; Richard! Go figure!
WHEN YOU became a part of the family of God, you received a new name. You are called Christian! When Jim is preaching many times he says; Christian, which is singular, meaning you and me. He is talking to each one of us and calling us by our name in Christ! The word Christian means; “Christ one.” In looking in the Webster’s new American Dictionary published in 1965, it means Christ; or professing the religion of Christ; representing a Christian people and having traits exemplified by Christ, as humility.
DURING the beginning of the church Paul, who’s name was changed from Saul, led a missionary team and set out for the utter most parts of the earth. This was because many were scattered abroad because of the persecution that arose after Stephen was stoned. Barnabas went looking for Paul. “And when he had found Paul, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time, called Christians.” Acts 11:26 Christ ones; meaning belonging to Christ! In other words God had appropriated the people for His own. A people called by His name! Just like when he called the Jew’s in the Old Testament; Israelites. A group of people who came from Jacob and followed God.
THIS NEW NAME became known throughout the provinces even through the halls of King Agrippa who said; “In a short time you think to make me a Christian!” Acts 26:28b That was Paul’s desire; to bring King Agrippa to the feet of Jesus, as well as everyone he talked with. Paul taught everyone he met; “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian. For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:25-28
WHEN I AM ASKED to fill out papers and it comes to ‘religion’ I always write; “Christian!” I have no other name in Christ than Christian. I took Jim’s last name as my name when I married him; I was pleased to do that! However, I had already taken the name of Christ many years before that. That name was given to me along with the Holy Spirit. Why would I exchange that for any other name?
CHRISTIAN LIBERTY comes with the name of Christian. This liberty is a consequence of salvation. Liberty is freedom and is not a license to sin. This liberty is to bring us into total subjection to Christ and to break the bonds of sin. Conversely, the Christian finds his greatest liberty when he is in bondage to Jesus Christ. I answer to Jane Ann and am called Jim’s wife, but I love to be known as a Christian! How about you? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/20/12
GROWING up, most of my family called me Janie. I tried just Jane but never measured up to the movie stars who were called just ‘Jane!’ When I introduced myself to others, I always said; “my name is Jane Ann!” I remember telling Jim that my mother had always told me that when a man calls his girlfriend or his wife by anything other than her name it is because he couldn’t remember it. Jim always calls me “Jane Ann!” I always call him; “Jim!” Now Jim is a nickname for James! But he doesn’t look like a James, however, to his family he looks like his middle name; Richard! Go figure!
WHEN YOU became a part of the family of God, you received a new name. You are called Christian! When Jim is preaching many times he says; Christian, which is singular, meaning you and me. He is talking to each one of us and calling us by our name in Christ! The word Christian means; “Christ one.” In looking in the Webster’s new American Dictionary published in 1965, it means Christ; or professing the religion of Christ; representing a Christian people and having traits exemplified by Christ, as humility.
DURING the beginning of the church Paul, who’s name was changed from Saul, led a missionary team and set out for the utter most parts of the earth. This was because many were scattered abroad because of the persecution that arose after Stephen was stoned. Barnabas went looking for Paul. “And when he had found Paul, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time, called Christians.” Acts 11:26 Christ ones; meaning belonging to Christ! In other words God had appropriated the people for His own. A people called by His name! Just like when he called the Jew’s in the Old Testament; Israelites. A group of people who came from Jacob and followed God.
THIS NEW NAME became known throughout the provinces even through the halls of King Agrippa who said; “In a short time you think to make me a Christian!” Acts 26:28b That was Paul’s desire; to bring King Agrippa to the feet of Jesus, as well as everyone he talked with. Paul taught everyone he met; “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian. For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:25-28
WHEN I AM ASKED to fill out papers and it comes to ‘religion’ I always write; “Christian!” I have no other name in Christ than Christian. I took Jim’s last name as my name when I married him; I was pleased to do that! However, I had already taken the name of Christ many years before that. That name was given to me along with the Holy Spirit. Why would I exchange that for any other name?
CHRISTIAN LIBERTY comes with the name of Christian. This liberty is a consequence of salvation. Liberty is freedom and is not a license to sin. This liberty is to bring us into total subjection to Christ and to break the bonds of sin. Conversely, the Christian finds his greatest liberty when he is in bondage to Jesus Christ. I answer to Jane Ann and am called Jim’s wife, but I love to be known as a Christian! How about you? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/20/12
Saturday, October 13, 2012
WALK BEFORE ME! 10/14/12
HOW DO YOU FEEL when you are walking in front of someone? For the most part, I am a little self-conscious. I like face to face sightseeing but don’t feel comfortable knowing someone is sightseeing. Think about it! When you are being watched without knowing who and what is being watched, don’t you feel a little uncomfortable? When Jim first saw me at the place we both were employed, he thought to himself; “I would like to take care of her the rest of her life!” Of course he doesn’t exactly remember what he said word for word, but that is how I remember him telling me. He was watching me without my realizing it! But then I too am a watcher.
I LOVE leading a Bible Study but I also love being in a Bible Study. Lately our church has been involved in THE STORY. It is being taught in all the Sunday School classes, the worship service and Wednesday nights. Continuity throughout God’s word reminds us of what God’s plan is all about. In looking at the STORY some of the scriptures have been jumping out at me. I remember mentioning to God that I was having trouble writing my Morning Glory Devotionals for my blog. Well, His Word is rich and full of what He wants me to write about.
“WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to him and said; I am God Almighty, walk before me, and be perfect!” Genesis 17:1 Obviously age has nothing to do with it, when God declares who He is and what He wants from us. We sing the song El Shaddi, but do we realize that we are calling Him “God Almighty!” When God speaks to us we should be asking “how high” instead of “What?” God wants to take care of us, not only here in the flesh, but for eternity!
WHEN WE call Him the “God of the mountain” which is not the worship of nature, but is calling Him “God Almighty” shouldn’t we take note of who He is and who we are? If God was watching Abram/Abraham from behind, how do you think He watches us? We talk about God walking with us and we know that He is fully aware of us, but have you thought about Him watching?
“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 23:24 God is watching those who are watching Him! He wants us to be perfect so He gave us the next best thing. The Holy Spirit! “And Peter said to them; Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Act 2:38 The Holy Spirit came upon men for special circumstances but upon our baptism, the Holy Spirit did not come upon us but went inside of us! A concept that is difficult for man to understand, but when we accept Jesus, it is a reality!
“THE EYES OF THE LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3 I remember my mother always seem to know what we were doing. Perhaps she just knew the mind of children or perhaps she really did have eyes in the back in her head. Our living room and kitchen were separated by a short wall. A tiny walk from the kitchen into the hall had a doorway into the living room. On the wall to left of the door in the living was a very large mirror. She could look from the kitchen at the mirror on the wall and see the whole livingroom. I don’t know how many times she would call out the name of the perpetrator who was ready to pounce! We would all stop and curiously look at each other. Took us a while, but we eventually figured it out.
BUT THAT WAS not all of her ways of knowing. She included the neighbor lady! Lynn had a old car that he bought but he didn’t have a license nor a permit. He was told never to drive it! One day after school he decided to drive it around the block. Joyce reminded him of what Mom had said! He said; “She won’t know!” He was no sooner out of the driveway when the phone rang. Mom said; ”Have Lynn call me when he gets home!” It really didn’t matter how Mom knew, but she did!
GOD KNOWS and He wants us to be blameless! Pay attention Christian because your life depends upon it! Don’t take God for granted! He gave us the Spirit so that we would have no excuse. Knowing that God is watching, gives us an edge, don’t fall off! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/8/12
I LOVE leading a Bible Study but I also love being in a Bible Study. Lately our church has been involved in THE STORY. It is being taught in all the Sunday School classes, the worship service and Wednesday nights. Continuity throughout God’s word reminds us of what God’s plan is all about. In looking at the STORY some of the scriptures have been jumping out at me. I remember mentioning to God that I was having trouble writing my Morning Glory Devotionals for my blog. Well, His Word is rich and full of what He wants me to write about.
“WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to him and said; I am God Almighty, walk before me, and be perfect!” Genesis 17:1 Obviously age has nothing to do with it, when God declares who He is and what He wants from us. We sing the song El Shaddi, but do we realize that we are calling Him “God Almighty!” When God speaks to us we should be asking “how high” instead of “What?” God wants to take care of us, not only here in the flesh, but for eternity!
WHEN WE call Him the “God of the mountain” which is not the worship of nature, but is calling Him “God Almighty” shouldn’t we take note of who He is and who we are? If God was watching Abram/Abraham from behind, how do you think He watches us? We talk about God walking with us and we know that He is fully aware of us, but have you thought about Him watching?
“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 23:24 God is watching those who are watching Him! He wants us to be perfect so He gave us the next best thing. The Holy Spirit! “And Peter said to them; Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Act 2:38 The Holy Spirit came upon men for special circumstances but upon our baptism, the Holy Spirit did not come upon us but went inside of us! A concept that is difficult for man to understand, but when we accept Jesus, it is a reality!
“THE EYES OF THE LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3 I remember my mother always seem to know what we were doing. Perhaps she just knew the mind of children or perhaps she really did have eyes in the back in her head. Our living room and kitchen were separated by a short wall. A tiny walk from the kitchen into the hall had a doorway into the living room. On the wall to left of the door in the living was a very large mirror. She could look from the kitchen at the mirror on the wall and see the whole livingroom. I don’t know how many times she would call out the name of the perpetrator who was ready to pounce! We would all stop and curiously look at each other. Took us a while, but we eventually figured it out.
BUT THAT WAS not all of her ways of knowing. She included the neighbor lady! Lynn had a old car that he bought but he didn’t have a license nor a permit. He was told never to drive it! One day after school he decided to drive it around the block. Joyce reminded him of what Mom had said! He said; “She won’t know!” He was no sooner out of the driveway when the phone rang. Mom said; ”Have Lynn call me when he gets home!” It really didn’t matter how Mom knew, but she did!
GOD KNOWS and He wants us to be blameless! Pay attention Christian because your life depends upon it! Don’t take God for granted! He gave us the Spirit so that we would have no excuse. Knowing that God is watching, gives us an edge, don’t fall off! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/8/12
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